BAN THEM FOR LIFE: Dundee United boss Goodwin hits out after he is targeted by missile-throwing Dons thugs

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has called for life bans to be imposed on Aberdeen fans who threw missiles at him during his team’s dramatic 1-0 win at Tannadice.

The former Dons manager was targeted by travelling fans situated in the stand high behind his technical area. Pyros were also lit before kick-off.

A variety of items, including bottles and coins, were launched towards Goodwin at various stages of the match — including after Kevin Holt scored United’s 94th-minute winner, which moved them three points behind third-placed Aberdeen in the Premiership table.

‘I tried to be as reserved as I possibly could be when the goal went in,’ said the 43-year-old Irishman. ‘Again, it’s disappointing the amount of missiles that were coming down from above. There was a bottle of vodka, coins and firelighters and everything coming down on us. To have that type of stuff hurled down on top of us, it’s not acceptable.

‘They were skimming over our heads, not just mine, but the backroom staff, the linesman and the fourth official. Thankfully, there was a real gusty wind and it was affecting their aim.

‘It’s madness in this day and age. There were plenty of cameras at the game today, CCTV and all of that, and hopefully these guys will be caught and thrown out of football for life.

Pyros were lit in the visiting Aberdeen fans’ section of the Tannadice ground

A steward takes a thrown bottle off the pitch after the Premiership clash

‘You know, I’m not sure what I’ve said in the past to upset them that much.

‘Obviously things didn’t work out the way I would have liked it or how they would have liked it when I was Aberdeen manager, but I haven’t said anything derogatory about that football club.’

Goodwin savoured a performance and result that extended United’s impressive current form, which has seen them lose just one of their last nine games.

They will now go into their New Year derby against Dundee at Dens Park on Thursday in upbeat mood.

‘There’s nothing like a last-minute winner, although I felt we should have scored earlier,’ added Goodwin.

Pyro smoke delayed kick-off for the game between Dundee United and Aberdeen

Kevin Holt, second from left, celebrates his dramatic late winner with United team-mates

Dundee United’s players pile on the goalscorer after he won game for Tannadice men

‘We had more opportunities than Aberdeen, we defended brilliantly and I felt that we thoroughly deserved the victory in the end.

‘We’ve now got another big game to prepare for. We are going to walk up the street to Dens Park with our chests out, full of pride, ready to go to battle and hopefully comeout on the right side of the result again.’

Rivals Dundee will also go into the derby on a high after they defeated St Mirren 2-1 in Paisley on Sunday, ending a run of three straight defeats in the league for the Dark Blues and moving them within five points of sixth place.