Craig Brown expressed sympathy for the Aberdeen fans who travelled to Hampden to witness the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final defeat by Celtic.

"I can't believe we started as we did at Celtic Park last week when we just didn't compete for the first 25 minutes," he said after the 4-1 loss.

"To be 4-0 down so easily was horrendous. I'm upset for the fans because they expected a lot more.

"They got a minimum of a fight-back but our first half was shocking."

The Dons wilted under Celtic pressure in the opening 45 minutes and found themselves four down following goals from Kris Commons, Charlie Mulgrew, Thomas Rogne and an Anthony Stokes penalty.

Scott Vernon's second half header reduced the deficit but was not enough to save Aberdeen

"Any high ball into the box was causing us a problem," he added.

"I've got to think that Commons's goal was a cross, he was very fortunate. I was right behind him and he was crossing the ball, in my opinion.

I'm heartbroken for the fans who travelled from Aberdeen to see such a woeful first 25 minutes Aberdeen boss Craig Brown

"If it was a shot then he's a far more skilful guy than Maradona. I was sure he was crossing it for the big fellas in the box.

"We had hit the post to try to make a comeback when we were 2-0 down but when they scored the penalty it was an uphill struggle from then.

"I said to my players at half-time: 'we have to win the second half' - we did get one back and I actually think we had a great chance to get three other goals.

"It could've been a comeback but fight-backs are easy. But what isn't easy is to make sure you do the job from the start of the game."

Brown was upbeat about his side's SPL game against Celtic on Tuesday, despite losing the previous two games against the Glasgow club.

"We've ended both games the better side," he said. "So if we play properly throughout the match then we have a good chance against Celtic.

"I'm heartbroken for the fans who travelled from Aberdeen to see such a woeful first 25 minutes."

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