Sectarian Bigot Celtic fan gets 7 years sentence for stabbing Rangers fan

Vicious bigot stabbed man in neck because toddler son supported ...

A THUG stabbed a young dad in the neck because his toddler son supports Rangers.

Violent bigot Thomas Gordon was jailed for more than seven years yesterday for the assault on Daniel Collingwood after a party in Govan, Glasgow, in January this year.

Gordon, 36, smiled and gave a thumbs-up to two women in the public gallery as he was led to the cells.

The High Court in Glasgow had heard how Gordon’s on-off partner held a Hogmanay party and he was there with his brother Edward, 44. Daniel and his girlfriend Danielle Gordon – the accused’s niece – also attended.

Douglas Fairlie QC, prosecuting, said: “During the party, Edward Gordon and Mr Collingwood argued about the upbringing of his son. The argument appeared to be about whether the child should support Celtic or Rangers.”

It is believed members of the Gordon family are Celtic-minded while the two-year-old boy is already a Rangers fan – and the court heard another row broke out after the party over what religion Daniel’s son should follow.

Mr Fairlie said: “The accused left the living room and went into the kitchen. Mr Collingwood felt uneasy and became concerned for his safety.

“He ran into the back garden but was unable to find an exit, so he attempted to run back into the house.”

The court heard that Edward Gordon pushed Daniel against a wall. Mr Fairlie added: “There was then an altercation during which the accused stabbed the complainer several times to the left side of his neck and shoulder area.”

The blood-soaked victim escaped and an ambulance was called. The court heard he had two serious wounds to his neck – one an inch from his jugular vein – and was left scarred for life.

Gordon, from Govan, admitted assaulting Daniel to the danger of his life. Gordon Jackson QC, defending, said: “This was a stupid Glasgow incident about football, Celtic and Rangers.”

Judge Lord Turnbull jailed Gordon for seven years and two months and told him he was lucky not to have been facing a murder charge.

Gordon did stand trial for murder in 2004 accused of killing a man at a karaoke night – but he walked free after a jury returned a not proven verdict.

In 1995, he was jailed for six years for assault. He also has a previous conviction for carrying a knife.

Last night, Daniel’s father Brian told the Record: “I think Gordon is absolute scum and we were hoping for a tougher jail sentence.

“He got seven years but will probably be out in less than four years. Where is the justice in that?”

Celtic fan jailed for stabbing Rangers fan

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-23084392

A man who stabbed his niece's partner after a row over what football team the victim's son should support has been jailed for seven years and two months.

Thomas Gordon, 36, carried out the attack on Daniel Collingwood at a flat in Ibrox, Glasgow, on New Year's day.

It is believed Gordon family members support Celtic while the two year-old child is being raised a Rangers fan.

Gordon was originally charged with attempted murder but pleaded guilty to assault to the danger of life.

A previous hearing at the High Court in Glasgow was told how Gordon's on-off partner Catherine Johnson held a party at her home in Rhynie Drive, Ibrox, on Hogmanay last year.

Upbringing argument

Gordon, from Govan, attended along with his 44 year-old brother, Edward.

Mr Collingwood and his girlfriend Danielle Gordon - the accused's niece - also attended.

Prosecutor Douglas Fairlie QC said: "During the party, Edward Gordon and Mr Collingwood argued about the upbringing of his son.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

Given the proximity to the jugular vein, it is fortunate your victim did not die”

Lord TurnbullJudge

"It is stated that the argument appeared to be about whether the child should support Celtic or Rangers."

The court heard that Gordon, his brother and Mr Collingwood later left the flat in the early hours but returned when Edward Gordon realised he had left something behind.

Mr Fairlie said another row soon broke out at the house over what religion Mr Collingwood's boy should follow.

The advocate depute went on: "The accused left the living room and went into the kitchen.

"Mr Collingwood felt uneasy and became concerned for his safety. He ran into the back garden, but was unable to find an exit gate, so he attempted to run back into the house."

The court heard he was then grabbed by Edward Gordon, who pushed him against a wall as the accused stormed out.

Mr Fairlie told the court: "There was then an altercation during which the accused stabbed the complainer several times to the left side of his neck and shoulder area."

Murder acquittal

A blood-soaked Mr Collingwood managed to escape by jumping over garden fences. He went to a nearby property where his partner was and an ambulance was called.

The court heard the most serious wounds he suffered were to his neck. One was just two centimetres from his jugular vein.

Jailing him, judge Lord Turnbull told Gordon: "Given the proximity to the jugular vein, it is fortunate your victim did not die."

Gordon stood trial at the same court in 2004 charged with murdering 46-year-old Stephen Kerr at Benburb Social Club in Govan.

The attack happened at a football team night out but it was claimed Mr Kerr was killed by a hitman who fled to Spain.

A jury returned a not proven verdict on Gordon following a five day trial.

Gordon was jailed for six years in 1995 at the high court for assault.

He also has a previous conviction for carrying a knife in 2007.

Celtic fan faces new case over IRA songs

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/celtic-fan-faces-new-case-over-ira-songs.21397966?utm_content=buffer9d140&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer

A CELTIC fan who was acquitted of breaching controversial anti-bigotry legislation is to face prosecution again after a ruling by appeal judges.

Joseph Cairns, 20, had denied taking part in behaviour which would be likely to incite public disorder by chanting songs in support of the IRA at a match between Ross County and Celtic.

Police officers claimed during Mr Cairns's trial at Dingwall Sheriff Court that he had been singing lyrics from The Roll of Honour, a song about Republican hunger strikers, and the pro-IRA The Boys of the Old Brigade.

Mr Cairns, of Glasgow, was cleared by Sheriff Jamie Gilchrist, QC, after a no case to answer submission was made.

Prosecutors appealed against the decision and judges at the Justiciary Appeal Court in Edinburgh have recalled the acquittal and sent the case back to the sheriff to proceed with it.

Sheriff Gilchrist had taken the view the Crown had led evidence which, taken at its highest, was enough to prove he had sung words which expressed praise for hunger strikers and contained a line about joining the IRA.

However, the sheriff also had to believe the behaviour would be likely to incite public disorder. He told the court video evidence made it clear Mr Cairns and many other fans could be seen singing songs.

But he said: "It was quite impossible for the uninitiated listener to make out the words of what they were singing. Since there was no proper basis for inferring any person who might be incited to disorder would have been able to tell he was singing about the hunger strikers and the IRA, there was no proper basis for inferring his behaviour was likely to incite public disorder."

Lord Brodie, who heard the appeal with Lady Paton and Lord Philip, said they could not agree.

He said that, in enacting the initial clause of the offensive behaviour at football matches legislation, the Scottish Parliament had "created a criminal offence with an extremely long reach".

Advocate depute Andrew Brown, QC, said that as the police officers were able to recognise the song and hear words other people must have been able to do so.

Lord Brodie said the act distinguished between "a reasonable person" and a person "likely to be incited to public disorder".

The judge said: "The person likely to be incited to public disorder may have particular interests and particular knowledge. He may have particular views about the two songs in question and those who sing them."

However, he said the legislation meant such people need not be present for the purposes of deciding whether specific behaviour was likely to incite disorder.

Celtic fans' Firhill stand ban

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/celtic-fans-firhill-stand-ban-127758n.21371272

Firhill chairman David Beattie announced the move last night and said: "The consequences of incendiary devices in a wooden-clad stand are there for all to see."

Thistle took the controversial decision to ensure they received a Safety Certificate for the ground ahead of their return to Scotland's top flight next season.

Fears over flares had prompted authorities to review the matter and the decision has now been taken to give Celtic fans the North Stand.

The agreement comes just weeks after trouble marred the Glasgow Cup Final at Firhill when fans set off flares and smoke bombs.

Beattie added: "The Police Football Intelligence Unit raised concerns as to the increased use of flares by sections of some away support, citing a number of incidents that have taken place over the last season.

"This, along with our own experiences of flares at Firhill over the last couple of seasons, meant it is something we have to seriously consider."

A Jags 'singing section' was situated in the North Stand last season, but the group will have to be moved when Celtic travel across Glasgow to accommodate the Hoops fans. Beattie said: "At the club's Operations Board Meeting, it was agreed that approaches would be made to representatives from the North Stand to keep them up to speed.

"But due to people's commitments the original meeting date was delayed.

"Unfortunately, events overtook that consultation process as the timings around the renewal of the Safety Certificate meant that a strict segregation policy which banned Celtic supporters from the main stand was enforced.

"In essence, this left the club with a fait accompli regards moving our own fans."

While Thistle have been left with little option but to relocate their supporters for the Celtic clashes, the decision will infuriate Jags fans who revelled in the North Stand last season.

The red and yellow army played their part in Thistle's First Division title success by roaring Alan Archibald's side on from the stand, but will now have to be moved from their usual seats for one of the biggest matches of the campaign.

Beattie said: "We share our fans' frustrations that due to elements outwith our own control we are required to move our fans from the North Stand.

"However, we are confident that no matter their location, the Thistle fans will provide the players with fantastic support and again make us proud of our wonderful fans."

Partick Thistle ban Celtic thugs from their Main Stand

Monday 17th June at 18:32 The Club is presently gearing up for the return of top flight football to Firhill Stadium which is providing us with a variety of challenges. One such challenge is supporter segregation due to the increased numbers and different dynamics of away supports who will visit over the coming season. The North Stand was a huge success last season, which was widely acknowledged by players, coaching staff and supporters alike and there can be no doubt it played a major part in our excellent home form. Our main aim this season has been that the North Stand remained for the home support only. This was opposed by the Police, due to the natural segregation offered by the North Stand, however the club have fought hard to ensure that this is the case as much as we possibly can. Unfortunately there are times when these decisions are taken out of our hands as the health and safety of supporters within Firhill Stadium takes precedence During meetings around this matter the Police Football Intelligence Unit raised concerns as to the increased use of flares by sections of some away support, citing a number of incidents that have taken place over the last season. This, coupled with our own experiences of flares at Firhill over the last couple of season, meant that it is something we have to seriously consider as the consequences of incendiary devices in a wooden clad stand are there for all to see. It should be made clear that the Club are legally responsible for the safety of everyone inside the Stadium; not the police. The Club would be liable to criminal prosecution were anything to go wrong. If the Glasgow Council Safety Team make this a condition for granting a safety certificate for the stadium we have no option but to comply. If an incident were to take place at Firhill we need to satisfy ourselves that we took every possible preventative measure; unfortunately the people who pay for this stance are our own fans. At the Club’s Operations Board Meeting, it was agreed that approaches would be made to representatives from the North Stand to keep them up to speed with developments. Approaches were made and proposed dates for the meeting suggested but due to peoples’ commitments the original meeting date was delayed. It should be made clear the subject to be discussed was not advised in advance. Unfortunately events overtook that consultation process as the timings around the renewal of the Safety Certificate meant that a strict segregation policy which banned Celtic Supporters from the Main Stand was enforced. In essence this left the Club with a Fait Accompli regards moving our own fans. The North Stand has become an integral part of Matchday Experience at Partick Thistle. It’s very much overused but our Supporters last year were our 12th Man. The onethistle project was and is a success. The feeling of unity between players and support was tangible and played a huge part in our success last season. We share our fans frustration that due to elements out with our own control we are required to move our fans from the North Stand and would clearly state our unhappiness at having to do so, however we are confident though that no matter their location the Thistle fans will provide the players with fantastic support and once more make us proud of our wonderful fans who we believe are surpassed in their support by nobody. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. David Beattie Chairman Partick Thistle Football Club http://ptfc.co.uk/news/2013-2014/jun...on_next_season

Celtic fan jailed for four years over Old Firm stabbing

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/celtic-fan-jailed-for-four-years-1026693

10/6/13

A CELTIC supporter who repeatedly stabbed a Rangers fan in a "frightening and vicious attack" hours after an Old Firm match was yesterday jailed for four years.

Shaun Duffy, 30, knifed Brian Duncan in Glasgow's Springcroft Bar and Diner.

Duncan was left with serious spinal injuries and still suffers pain, months after the attack.

The High Court in Dunfermline heard that Duffy, an offshore worker, became involved in an argument after bar staff said drinkers entering the pub could not wear football colours.

Brian, his brother Colin and friends had gone to the pub in the city's Baillieston on December 27 last year after watching Rangers lose 1-0 to Celtic at Ibrox that day.

Duffy - a father-of-two - was sitting in the busy bar nearby.

The court was told that the accused and Colin later became involved in a fight.

Brian - who had been playing pool - saw the incident and rushed to help his brother.

But Brian, 37, was pushed to the ground before Duffy pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest and neck.

Simon Bowie, prosecuting, said Brian was unable to stand up after being attacked.

Duffy fled the scene as other drinkers attended to his victim.

Brian lost two litres of blood on the way to hospital and had to be resuscitated.

Doctors believed his injuries were a significant threat to his life. He has been left with a lack of feeling in his fingers and his lower legs.

Mr Bowie added: "He was a keen footballer but is unable to do that and does not now socialise."

Duffy handed himself in to police weeks after the incident.

The court was told he had previous convictions for football-related violence and served three years in jail for a previous assault to the danger of a victim's life.

Duffy, of Borthwick Street, Garthamlock, Glasgow, admitted assaulting Brian to the danger of his life.

Tony Graham, defending, said: "There's no situation where this sort of violence can be tolerated by society.

"He is a man who can remain free of intoxicants when working offshore but succumbs to alcohol abuse when on shore leave.

"He was in a pub, he was drunk and something that started as a minor argument escalated and he offers no excuse for that."

Imposing the jail term, judge Lord Woolman said the attack was "life-threatening".

He said: "You carried out a frightening and vicious attack on Brian Duncan. It is only chance you do not face a charge of murder.

"You have 11 previous convictions - five for breach of the peace, one football-related and a 2005 conviction for an assault with a bottle.

"Your victim required emergency treatment and lost two litres of blood - this was life-threatening.

"If you had been convicted after trial, you would have had six years in prison - but as you pled guilty the sentence will be four years."

Duffy smiled at supporters on the public benches as he was led to the cells.

Celtic fan stabs father over toddler son supporting Rangers

http://local.stv.tv/glasgow/229688-thomas-gordon-stabbed-daniel-collingwood-in-celtic-v-rangers-row/

A father was stabbed after a row about whether his toddler son should support Celtic or Rangers.

Daniel Collingwood was attacked by his partner’s uncle, Thomas Gordon, after a New Year’s party.

The High Court in Glasgow heard on Monday that Gordon’s family are Celtic fans and he began arguing with Mr Collingwood because his two-year-old son supported Rangers.

Gordon, who was previously jailed for assaults in the mid-90s, originally faced an attempted murder charge over the attack, but his guilty plea to the reduced charge of assault to the endangerment of life was accepted by the Crown.

The court heard how 36-year-old Gordon's partner Catherine Johnson held a party at her home in Rhynie Drive, Ibrox, Glasgow, on Hogmanay last year. He attended with his 44-year-old brother Edward.

Mr Collingwood and his girlfriend Danielle Gordon, the accused's niece, also went to the party.

Prosecutor Douglas Fairlie QC said: "During the party, Edward Gordon and Mr Collingwood argued about the upbringing of his son. It is stated that the argument appeared to be about whether the child should support Celtic or Rangers."

It is believed members of the Gordon family are Celtic-minded while the two-year-old child is already a Rangers fan. The accused, his brother and Mr Collingwood later left the property in the early hours but returned when Edward Gordon realised he had left something behind.

Mr Fairlie said another row soon broke out at the house with a disagreement about what religion Mr Collingwood's boy should follow.

The advocate depute went on: "The accused left the living room and went into the kitchen. Mr Collingwood felt uneasy and became concerned for his safety. He ran into the back garden, but was unable to find an exit gate, so he attempted to run back into the house."

The court heard he was then grabbed by Edward Gordon, who pushed him against a wall as the accused stormed out. Mr Fairlie told the court: "There was then an altercation during which the accused stabbed the complainer several times to the left side of his neck and shoulder area."

Mr Collingwood managed to escape by jumping over garden fences. He went to a nearby property where his partner was and an ambulance was called.

The court heard the most serious wounds he suffered were to his neck, including one that was 2cm from his jugular vein.

Mr Collingwood has been left scarred for life. Gordon, of the city's Govan, was charged with the attack a week after the incident, but told police: "I didn't do it."

It was revealed that Gordon was jailed for six years in 1995 at the high court for assault. He also has a previous conviction for carrying a knife in 2007.

Judge Lord Turnbull deferred sentencing for reports until later this month. Edward Gordon, also of Govan, had also been accused of attempted murder, but prosecutors accepted his not guilty pleas.

SFA official & children targeted by Celtic fans

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/REFS+HAD+TO+TALK+McBRIDE+OUT+OF+QUITTING%3B+Secret+nightmare+of...-a061021267

Linesman Gordon McBride had to be talked out of packing in football after his Old Firm nightmare. 

The Erskine official's family have been targeted for abuse since he ruled out Jorge Cadete's equaliser for Celtic at Ibrox on January 2. 

Friends say McBride felt like a prisoner in his own home - and decided he didn't want to carry on. But he was coaxed out of quitting by fellow refs, including Jim McCluskey, who suffered a similar nightmare seven years ago. 

McBride was flooded by hate mail and was forced to change his phone number. 

And last night a top referee revealed: "Gordon has had terrible harassment. 

"His kids have been dragged into it, which is disgraceful, and people have been shouting through his letter box. 

"It's outrageous that one split-second decision can turn someone's life upside down. 

"It took an awful lot of persuasion from us to talk him round. 

"Jim McCluskey offered him daily counselling. He was able to explain that he'd been through it all before and it would blow over." 

Now McBride is to run the line at next month's clash between Wales and the Republic of Ireland - even though he hasn't worked at a Scottish game since the Ibrox rumpus. 

A league spokesman insisted: "There's nothing sinister in it - officials don't get games every week." 

McBride's blunder sparked conspiracy claims from Celtic fans, but Parkhead No.2 Billy Stark pointed out: "Nobody at Celtic thinks there's any conspiracy going on at all."

Linesman threatened by Celtic fans with knife attack

1997 Scottish Daily Record

 The linesman who chalked off a goal in the crunch Old Firm game has received knife threats from Celtic fans.

Police yesterday warned match official Gordon McBride to watch out for his safety after a terror letter was sent to the Daily Record. 

A group calling themselves Johnstone Celtic Bhoys threatened to "make an example" of Mr McBride. 

They described said he would be slashed with a knife or attacked with baseball bats. 

The Record immediately passed the letter to police. 

Mr McBride was at the centre of controversy last week when he flagged to disallow a Celtic goal. 

It would have tied the match at 2-2, but Rangers went on to win 3-1. 

Later, we revealed that Mr McBride had worn a Rangers strip at a charity match and was on an Ibrox mailing list. 

The thugs' threatening letter said: "We now intend to make an example of Mr McBride. 

"Whether this means McBride's face cut open with a knife or set about with baseball bats, then so be it. 

"He is in danger of a very serious attack. McBride will not escape punishment." 

Last night, Celtic distanced themselves from the thugs and manager Tommy Burns described the letter as "deplorable". 

He said: "Whoever sent that letter should be ashamed. People like that are not welcome as part of Celtic or Scottish football." 

Celtic Supporters' Association president Frank Hinton said: "People who react like this are nutcases. 

"They are not doing Celtic or themselves any favours. 

"I know how upset the fans were and that they were even more upset to find out he's a Rangers supporter. 

"But to react like this is ridiculous." 

John Martin Costigane, secretary of Johnstone Celtic Supporters' Club, said the letter had nothing to do with his members. 

And he added: "I find its contents deplorable." 

Police visited Mr McBride yesterday to warn him about the threats. 

And forensic experts will now examine the letter for fingerprints in a bid to track down the culprits. 

Mr McBride wasn't available for comment last night.