Celtic fans jailed for sectarian attack

Mar 8 2012 by Kevin Mansi
Daily Record

TWO bigots who burst into a Rangers-friendly pub and waved an Irish tricolour flag “for a joke” were jailed yesterday.

And a sheriff told the two Celtic fans that he will advise the Parkhead club to impose a ticket ban following the religious prejudice attack.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that James Seery, 20, ran into the Crown Bar in Bellshill, Lanakshire, last December, holding the flag and shouted “Up the ’Ra”.

He also sang Celtic songs and shouted “F****** Orange B*******’.

As witnesses tried to get Seery and James Jackson, 19, out of the pub, Jackson hit William Kirkpatrick, 60, on the head with a bottle. Mr Kirkpatrick needed stitches following the attack.

At an earlier hearing, Seery admitted charges, including making sectarian remarks. Jackson admitted hitting the man on the head with the bottle in the same incident.

This offence was also described as being aggravated by religious prejudice.

The addresses for both accused was given in court as care of Polmont prison.

Sheriff Ray Small sentenced Seery to nine months while Jackson was jailed for 18 months.

The sheriff added: “This type of behaviour does no credit to Celtic Football Club or their supporters.”