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.

Celtic fan Paul Hamill sentenced over sectarian abuse

A Celtic fan who subjected a police officer to sectarian abuse has been given a community payback order and told to carry out 80 hours unpaid work.

Paul Hamill was stopped from entering Celtic's Champions League home game against Spartak Moscow on 5 December as he was "severely intoxicated".

After being arrested he later swore and made sectarian remarks to an officer.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court, the 21-year-old, from East Kilbride, admitted abusive and threatening behaviour.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-22473152

"A lot of Celtic supporters wish for my death and that of my children"

He cannot walk through the streets of Glasgow. Sometimes they have to close shops for him before the fans and onlookers descend. Nacho Novo, a Rangers legend, has returned with his family for a brief visit to the city where he made his name as a footballer. There he awaits his new destiny, having ended his contract with Legia Warsaw where he played for half a season and won the Polish Cup.

The reforming of Rangers in the Third division as a result of its debts has been met with absolute rage from some Celtic supporters - its perpetual rival - which have gone to the extreme of repeated death threats to Nacho Novo.

"It used to be a common occurrence but, since the invention of Twitter, the threats have multiplied. A lot of Celtic supporters every day wish for my death and that of my children and it is really unpleasant although it's normal practice in Celtic, a sham of a club, calling itself Catholic but it's not at all", commented Nacho Novo.

"You only need to look at its recent history and see the shady events that club has had. It thinks it is fooling people. That's why it's an honour to be from Rangers, a team with values, with respect and with history. Whatever happens, it will always be the best team in Scotland", he concluded.

http://www.marca.com/2012/07/16/en/football/spanish_football/1342423938.html