Hedges' hat-trick sends Aberdeen through after controversial season start

Paris (AFP) – Ryan Hedges scored three times as Aberdeen hammered the Faroe Islands’ Runavik 6-0 on Thursday to reach the second qualifying round of the Europa League after a tumultuous start to the season.

Earlier this month, the Dons fined eight players, including another goal-scorer at Pittodrie Jonny Hayes, who broke coronavirus protocols leading to three Scottish Premiership matches being postponed.

Two players tested positive and another six were forced to self-isolate for 14 days after attending a restaurant and a bar together.

Wales midfielder Hedges, 25, claimed his first of proceedings after 50 minutes following first half efforts from Lewis Ferguson and Curtis Main.

Hedges, who has three caps, completed his hat-trick either side of Hayes’ 63rd minute goal.

Elsewhere in the ties which were played over one leg due to the Covid-19 outbreak, Partizan Belgrade edged Latvia’s RFS 1-0 and Hammarby, part-owned by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, beat Puskas Academy from Hungary 3-0.

The next round takes place on September 17 with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan and Galatasary entering the competition.