McGhee, the old faux

Mark McGhee put on a stunning display as a faux hard man last night. After being escorted from the touchline by a police officer at Pittodrie, the Motherwell manager didn’t take well to his antics being recorded for posterity on video by an Aberdeen fan.

His unfocussed irritation transformed into confrontational anger towards the fan, but only after McGhee had made eye contact with a rapidly approaching Aberdeen official, who was a split second from intervening on his behalf.

This is the offline equivalent of the keyboard hard man. It’s just someone working through their issues in what feels like a real confrontation, but is actually relatively safe environment. Mark just needs a hug. Hug Mark, if you see him.

Speaking to the media afterwards McGhee then went into full irony mode:

“I’m absolutely disgusted and horrified by the attitude of the fourth official. Before a ball was kicked, he was causing issues that didn’t exist.”

Like creating a scene when a visiting goalkeeper warms up in front of his assigned goals, perhaps. There followed an explicit threat to get his lawyers involved, which is almost certainly faux bluster.

Many years ago Dundee United and Scotland assistant manager Jim McLean resigned from his SFA post when he ran into conflict with the Association. McGhee should consider doing likewise this morning. But first he needs a hug. Someone?

Great to see Ryan Christie making his mark at Aberdeen, the finish for his goal last night is worth catching, if you haven’t see it yet.