Scots charged after clash with doorman
Jan 25 2007 By Brenda Hickman, The Evening Chronicle
A bar doorman suffered cuts to his head in an alleged bottle attack involving Celtic football fans.
Violence reportedly broke out after a group supporters from the Glasgow-based club had been drinking in Newcastle's City Vaults bar before Toon legend Alan Shearer's testimonial game at St James' Park.
Thousands of Celtic fans travelled to the city to watch the match which attracted a 52,000-strong crowd to bid an emotional farewell to the Magpie hero on May 11.
A group of up to 39 Scots made their way to the Bigg Market bar before the game and had been drinking there at about 7.45pm.
Drunken disorder is alleged to have broken out and a number of men were in the process of being ejected by door staff when further violence erupted in the foyer and spilled out on to the street.
In the brawl, which involved up to 10 men, four security staff were injured, one seriously.
Ian Sewell was left covered in blood needing hospital treatment for cuts to his head and face.
Four Celtic fans were arrested at the time by Northumbria police who were called to the scene.
A number of others in the group fled the Bigg Market following the alleged assault.
A Newcastle CID spokesman said: "Two men have now been charged with wounding and have been bailed to appear before Newcastle magistrates next Tuesday".
Robert McKernon, 39, of Saltcoates, and Gary Taylor, 24, of Ardrossan, both Ayrshire, were jointly charged on Tuesday with causing grievous bodily harm.
Mr Sewell has since made a recovery from his injuries and is understood to have gone back to work.
There was no football-related violence reported to Newcastle police before or after the game.
Celtic stars played a Shearer team of past and present greats. City Vaults is one of Newcastle's most popular fans' bars.
It is usually packed with supporters when live football is screened there.
The former Toon skipper shared the £1.64m raised from his testimonial among 14 charities and good causes.
A spokesman for the Ultimate Leisure Group, which owns City Vaults, said: "Two of our doorstaff were injured in the incident.
"One received stab injuries to his head, ear and chest for which he was treated in hospital.
"He returned after 10 weeks. Another staff was injured but returned after treatment on the night."