McInnes feels for the fans after fixture switch

Last updated : 19 March 2015 By Stand Free Ed

Aberdeen were due to play Dundee at Dens Park next Monday night, but the game was put forward to Saturday lunchtime after three players were called up for international duty next Wednesday.

Dons fans have had their say about the late change in this thread on the Aberdeen Mad forum

And McInnes feels the fans' frustration. "As players and staff we can adjust but I think it's unnecessary to have it changed so late in terms of the supporters," he said.

"We shouldn't take our supporters for granted and myself and the players certainly don't do that, but the change being so late should have been avoided and I don't think it had to take three players from my club getting called up.

"I think we can all learn from the incident. Why schedule a game on a Monday night of an international week? And if the alternative date was there so readily, why weren't we given that option?

"My message to supporters is looking forward to the game, it's not dwelling on a fixture change. It's been unfortunate but we have to deal with it."

AFC apologised for the decision to switch the game, admitting they understood the supporters' frustrations but had no alternative with a title push on.

A statement on the official website said: "Aberdeen FC was disappointed that a popular match on the fixture calendar was moved to a Monday evening during an international week, given the possibility of player call ups.

"Given the club's current position in the league it is essential that all our players are available and, following discussions with all parties, this would not have been the case if the fixture proceeded as planned on the Monday.

"The club did investigate whether the game could have been rescheduled for a later date but with the league split happening next month, finding an alternative date would have been extremely challenging.

"While we recognise supporters initially may have preferred the Saturday TV slot of 12.15, and more fans will now be able to go to the game, we also appreciate a number of supporters will be unable to attend the match and others will have had their weekend and travel plans disrupted.

"Any supporters who have bought a ticket for the Monday night and are now unable to attend will get a full refund."