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

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.

On Friday, they face a Scottish FA hearing but coach Derek McInnes said they had already received a heavy enough sanction.

"My players were guilty of nothing other than naivety. There was nobody going out there and thinking they were above the rules," McInnes told BBC Sportsround.

"My players have been punished, my players have clearly been punished - publicly humiliated by far too many people making comment on them, having their say and not letting it go."

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, 1986 European champions Steaua Bucharest defeated Shirak of Armenia 3-0.

Hammarby, part-owned by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, beat Puskas Academy from Hungary also by 3-0.

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