Aberdeen 1 - 1 Celtic

Aberdeen met Celtic at Pittodrie in front of a sell out 24,000 all ticket crowd requiring to avoid defeat to clinch their 3rd league title in six years. Celtic, the Dons' only challengers for the title, started the game in a determined fashion, but their early assaults were dealt effectively by the Dons' defenders. Although the game was very physical, surprisingly there was only one booking, that of Neil Simpson for a late challenge on Murdo McLeod.
The game exploded into life in the 39th minute when Referee Smith awarded Celtic a very controversial penalty. McGarvey turned Miller expertly in the box and floated a cross towards the back post, Johnston rose for the header but Billy Stark raced back to head safely past for a corner. Amazingly a penalty kick was awarded, apparently for an alleged push on the Celtic striker and Aitken blasted the spot kick past Leighton. Unfortunately, as the Celtic players began their celebrations a coin was thrown from the crown and struck Paul McStay on the face. Thankfully the player wasn't seriously hurt and continued play after receiving treatment.

Aberdeen began the second half in a much more positive manner but it took a tactical change by Dons' boss, Alex Ferguson to change the match. The hard tackling of Neale Cooper was introduced for Dougie Bell with an hour gone and his first contribution led to a sensational equaliser. He dispossessed Peter Grant in midfield and passed to McKimmie who was immediately barged off the ball by McLeod. From the resultant free kick taken by Porteous, Captain Willie Miller swooped to head a magnificent header past the despairing hands of Bonner into the net via the inside of the far post. The huge home support were ecstatic as Miller's team mates almost suffocated him after they eventually caught up with him and pummelled him to the ground. After that there was no way back for Celtic as the Dons denied their opponents any time or possession and at the final whistle the Aberdeen players rejoiced and duly obliged their support's demand with a lap of honour.

Source: Match Programme, 24th August 1991