DEREK MCINNES has taken disciplinary action against a group of his Aberdeen players and apologised for the chaos that has been caused to Scottish football for serious breaches of the Coronavirus protocols.

The Dons' Premiership clash with St Johnstone has been postponed at the request of the Scottish Government after two players tested positive for Covid-19 and a further six were ordered to self-isolate.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon didn't miss the target as he declared herself 'pretty furious' with the group that broke regulations when going out for a meal and then to a bar following the defeat to Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

Aberdeen is in local lockdown after an outbreak of the virus but McInnes' side are still scheduled to host Hamilton Accies in midweek and then face Celtic next Saturday.

"We would always encourage players to go out socially for meals but always at the right time and just now is certainly not the right time," McInnes said. "Under the current restrictions, players have got to have added responsibility and make better decisions than going out in a group.

"The added matter for myself, having been at Aberdeen long enough, the players are very well aware that you don't go over the door if you lose a game against Rangers. That for me has added a lot of anger and disappointment.

"Where my anger and disappointment comes from is that they then proceeded to go into another pub with the restaurant and that for me is where the whole thing changes."

The Scottish Government have taken a dim view of the breaches by the eight Aberdeen players and there are fears a repeat could risk the continuation of the top flight campaign.

McInnes said: "We have made them well aware of the responsibilities. I have spoken often enough about how grateful we were for the opportunity to get back playing football.

"Our club have done everything to the letter and jumped through all the hoops.

"Our club could not have done anymore to protect our bubble. We are confident our players cannot be infected at work.

"But we only have them certain hours a day. The players, it's been clear to them, they have to continue as if they are in lockdown. It's generally common sense - don't put yourself in crowded areas, where you are going out in groups of people. The protocols are pretty clear."