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

Celtic fan handed £600 fine for filming himself verbally abusing ex-Rangers star

A MAN who filmed himself shouting abuse at a former Scotland footballer has been fined £600.

Aaron Laing, 25, from Dundee shouted, swore and made abusive and sectarian comments to ex-goalkeeper Andy Goram on Saturday January 19 in Ladbrokes bookmakers in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.

Laing was in a pub nearby when he learned that Mr Goram, a former Rangers footballer, was in the betting shop.

He entered the shop shouting at Mr Goram, using his mobile phone to film the incident. The footage was later uploaded to YouTube.

Laing was sentenced at Peterhead Sheriff Court after he pled guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour.

Vicki Lee Bell, football liaison prosecutor for the north of Scotland, said: "There is no place in a modern Scotland for behaviour motivated by prejudice, discrimination or bigotry of any kind.

"It is the right of everyone to go about their business without fear of humiliation, harassment or abuse.

"The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will continue to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to such offences and bring those who perpetrate such crimes to justice."

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/man-handed-600-fine-filming-1837301

Celtic thug fined for sectarian abuse

By DANIEL CAW

A THUG who filmed himself shouting abuse at Rangers legend Andy Goram has been fined £600.

Aaron Laing, 25, swore and made sectarian comments to former goalkeeper Goram at a bookies in Peterhead in January.

The yob, from Dundee, was in a pub when he learned that Goram was in the nearby betting shop.

He entered the shop shouting at Goram and used his mobile phone to film the incident.

Laing was sentenced at Peterhead Sheriff Court after he pled guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour.

Vicki Lee Bell, football liaison prosecutor for the north of Scotland, said: “There is no place in a modern Scotland for behaviour motivated by prejudice, discrimination or bigotry of any kind.

“It is the right of everyone to go about their business without fear of humiliation, harassment or abuse.

“The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will continue to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to such offences and bring those who perpetrate such crimes to justice."

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/scottishnews/4892048/Aaron-Laing-fined-for-Andy-Goram-abuse.html#ixzz2StF9spfr

Celtic yob fined for offensive song

A DRUNKEN teenage Celtic yob was fined £500 for belting out... The Billy Boys.

David Louden, 19, sang the banned Rangers fans’ favourite twice on a train in front of shocked mums and children.

The lout, who has a Hoops ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ tattoo, gave a third chorus of the sectarian song after being bundled off the carriage by cops.

But Louden denied yelling the song as he went on trial at Paisley Sheriff Court — despite admitting he could remember nothing of the incident.

He said: “I’m a Celtic fan and I have been all my life. I was pretty drunk. I know deep down inside I would never sing that song.”

Two British Transport Police officers described hearing Louden, of Ardrossan, Ayrshire, sing the bigoted lyrics just yards away from them. And Sheriff David Pender found the lout guilty of breach of the peace.
Louden had earlier admitted resisting arrest during the incident between Johnstone and Paisley Gilmour Street stations in April 2011.

He spent nearly 40 days behind bars as he awaited trial.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/scottishnews/4865681/Hoops-supporter-sang-banned-Gers-fan-chant.html#ixzz2StE0HVfs

Celtic fans reported to FARE for "support of terrorist organisation"

http://www.farenet.org/default.asp?intPageID=7&intArticleID=2973

Celtic fan fails in appeal against conviction

A Celtic season ticket holder convicted of a breach of the peace for wearing a top which displayed slogans of an “insulting and abusive nature” to an Old Firm match has failed in an appeal against conviction and sentence.

Kevin Maguire was given a two-year football banning order after attending a Celtic v Rangers match at Ibrox Stadium in September 2011 wearing a top with the letters ‘INLA’ and the slogan ‘F... YOUR POPPY REMEMBER DERRY’, which referred to the Irish National Liberation Army – a proscribed organisation in terms of schedule 2 to the Terrorism Act 2000 – and to the events of “Bloody Sunday” in Derry on January 30, 1972.

The appellant claimed that he had simply been engaging in “legitimate protest”, but the Criminal Appeal Court had “no difficulty” in concluding that his conduct amounted to a breach of the peace. 

The Lord Justice Clerk, Lord Carloway, sitting with Lord Drummond Young and Lord Marnoch, said the appellant actions amounted to a “deliberately provocative gesture”.

Celtic supporting footballer suspended over sick Ibrox Disaster comment

An East Stirlingshire FC youth player has been suspended after offensive comments about the Ibrox Disaster were posted online.

Under-19s player Brett Molloy is the subject of internal disciplinary process over the remarks made on social networking site Facebook.

The move came after East Stirling issued an apology to Rangers over the comments, which was in turn reproduced on the Glasgow club’s website.

A post appeared on Mr Molloy’s Facebook page on Tuesday night, on which said the "Ibrox stairs are calling" before adding "there (sic) f*****g deadly".

The Ibrox disaster claimed 66 lives on January 2, 1971, when fans were crushed on stairway 13 of the Glasgow stadium at the end of a game against rivals Celtic.

On Thursday, East Stirling said: "The allegations made against the player are now the subject of a police investigation. The player has been suspended by the club pending its own internal disciplinary process and there will be no further comment on the matter until these have been completed."

Previously, club chairman Tony Ford said: "I have been contacted by a number of people regarding posts made on social networking sites allegedly by one of our under-19 youth team players and I would like to thank those people for bringing this matter to my attention."

In a statement issued through lawyers, Mr Molloy said: "I have no comment to make at this time whilst club investigations and police investigations into my complaint are ongoing."

Rangers had previously condemned the "sickening posts" about the Disaster and noted East Stirling’s "swift apology".

http://news.stv.tv/tayside/218504-east-stirling-player-brett-molloy-suspended-over-ibrox-disaster-remark/

Thirteen arrested in 'aggressive' protest by Celtic fans

Thirteen people have been arrested following a protest by the "Green Brigade" ahead of Saturday's SPL match at Parkhead.

A group of around 80 people were halted by Strathclyde Police after a crowd had gathered outside the Chrystal Bell pub in Glasgow's Gallowgate area at around 1pm on Saturday.

The Green Brigade, which describes itself as a "a broad front of anti-fascist, anti-racist and anti-sectarian Celtic supporters", had mounted the march over supporters receiving bans and what it described as "harassment by the police".

However, police said the demonstration was an "illegal street procession" and around 200 officers were used to disperse the march.

A police spokeswoman said: "The crowd were instructed that any procession on the road was illegal but that officers would facilitate a safe and orderly procession on the pavements toward their intended destination at Celtic Park.

"However, this was ignored and more officers were deployed as the crowd became increasingly confrontational and aggressive. The situation was contained a short time later.

"Thirteen people have been arrested so far in connection with alleged public order offences, and they are currently being processed. Police enquiries are continuing into the incident and officers will be studying CCTV and helicopter footage."

Following the incident, fans took to social media to criticise the police handling of the demonstration which saw a group of supporters prevented from leaving the area by a large number of officers with batons and mounted officers.

Before the match, the Green Brigade had said on its website that it would be holding a "corteo to Celtic Park to raise awareness and show support for the growing list of Celtic supporters receiving and facing bans from both the Club and the PF.

"It is no secret the level of harrassment many fans receive at the hands of Strathclyde Police nor is Celtic PLCs complicity able to be ignored. As such there is an ever growing list of fans being denied their passion of following their team."

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/217910-thirteen-arrested-in-aggressive-protest-by-green-brigade-in-gallowgate/

Thirteen Celtic fans arrested

Thirteen arrests have been made after police moved in to break up what they said was an unauthorised march by the Green Brigade group of Celtic fans.

Almost 200 officers were deployed to the gathering outside the Chrystal Bell pub in Glasgow's Gallowgate.

Police said the crowd "appeared to be attempting to stage an illegal street procession and officers were deployed to prevent this".

The arrests were made for alleged public order offences.

The Green Brigade had posted on its website ahead of the protest that it would be holding a "corteo to Celtic Park to raise awareness and show support for the growing list of Celtic supporters receiving and facing bans" from both the Scottish Premier League football club and the procurator fiscal.

It warned those taking part that police would "use every and any excuse to instigate trouble".

Strathclyde Police said many of the people at the pub "were wearing similar hooded tops and using scarves to hide their identities" at about 13:00.

Mounted officers

"The crowd were instructed that any procession on the road was illegal but that officers would facilitate a safe and orderly procession on the pavements toward their intended destination at Celtic Park," said a statement.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

More officers were deployed as the crowd became increasingly confrontational and aggressive”

Strathclyde Police

"However, this was ignored and more officers were deployed as the crowd became increasingly confrontational and aggressive.

"The situation was contained a short time later. CCTV and helicopter footage was captured and will be studied as part of the investigation."

Officers, including mounted personnel, who had already been deployed to deal with a number of planned events across the city had been diverted to deal with the incident.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has previously praised the Green Brigade for the atmosphere they create inside the stadium but also urged a minority to stop singing pro-Irish Republican songs.

Ahead of the protest before the home match against Aberdeen, the Green Brigade said: "It is no secret the level of harassment many fans receive at the hands of Strathclyde Police.

"Nor is Celtic plc's complicity able to be ignored. As such, there is an ever-growing list of fans being denied their passion of following their team.

'Ongoing harassment'

"Unlike previous corteos held by the Green Brigade, this one has a little more meaning.

"While we urge as many fans as possible to turn out in support of all those currently banned and those facing ongoing harassment, it is important to remember the purpose behind this march.

"Therefore, we would appreciate it if colour was kept to a minimum in the form of flags and banners; similarly any chanting should be kept relevant to the topic at hand.

"The Green Brigade will be supplying 300 black t-shirts bearing the slogan 'The banned Bhoys stand with us' and these will be distributed to section members.

"We'd appreciate it if these shirts were worn on the march and also within the stadium to further highlight the situation."

The fans group claimed it would be police who would instigated any trouble, adding: "Please be mindful of the police presence and their actions. Please do not play into their hands.

"Avoid all communication as far as possible, have witnesses around you and a camera at hand to film/photograph them."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-21813699

Celtic yobs kicked off jet on runway

EXCLUSIVE by DOUGLAS WALKER

BOOZED-UP Celtic yobs got the boot from a flight to Italy before take-off.

Eleven louts were ejected by airport cops after they caused mayhem on board the British Airways jet.

Staff at London Heathrow called in police after complaints from passengers — including fellow Hoops fans — about the group’s swearing and chanting.

Last night one supporter fumed on Twitter: “Flight not taken off cause of fans making a **** of themselves. Coppers on plane now, f****** joke.

“Let out the scheme for the day, Disgrace to Celtic FC. Totally embarrassing.”

The flight to Milan was delayed by more than two hours, meaning passengers missed connections.

A BA spokeswoman said: “We do not tolerate any disruptive behaviour.”

Police said no arrests were made over the disturbance.

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/feeds/smartphone/scotland/4828605/Dermot-Doshmond-parties-with-Celtic-fans-in-Italy.html#ixzz2MqQzDLAR

Celtic fans riot. 9 police & 49 fans injured. 43 arrested

Mother of three beaten by Celtic bigot on train

• By Dailyrecord.co.uk

Mum-of-three beaten by teen girl on a train for asking her to stop singing sectarian songs

2 Feb 2013 08:14

A WOMAN was left black and blue after a tiny teen girl attacked her on a busy train when she asked her to stop singing sectarian songs.

ELIZABETH IRWIN had her hair pulled and was dragged about the train carriage before being punched in the face after she asked Jade McKnight to stop singing songs.

Elizabeth Irwin, 39, was viciously beaten by Jade McKnight, 17, who was on her way home from a Celtic v Dunfermline match.

Horrified passengers looked on as Celtic fan McKnight screamed abuse at mother-of-three Elizabeth.

McKnight, of Lanark, pulled her hair and called her an “Orange b*****d” before repeatedly punching her.

Elizabeth was heading home to Wishaw with her husband Tom when she was attacked in February last year.

Elizabeth, who runs a cake making business, said: “We heard McKnight and her friends coming up the train singing songs.

“They sat across from us and continued singing and chanting but we tried to ignore them.

“She then kept telling me to join in with singing. When I said no she called me an Orange b*****d and hurled abuse at me.

“I stood up and asked where she was getting off and she said Lanark.

“We were at Motherwell so I asked her to move as I didn’t want to listen until we were getting off at Wishaw.

“She then yanked my hair and dragged me about. It happened so quickly and I’m not sure if it was a fist, knee or chair that hit me in the face.

“I was black and blue, suffered mild concussion and headaches. My chest was bruised and I ended up with a black eye.”

McKnight was arrested at Wishaw train station and charged by British Transport Police.

She had been due to be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court but was ordered to return to court next week due to a paperwork delay.

She had earlier pled guilty to one charge of assault to injury and one of threatening and abusive behaviour with a sectarian element.

Her bail conditions ban her from attending any Celtic matches.

Elizabeth added: “When I saw her in court I couldn’t believe the size of her.

“She is tiny and I kept thinking how could she do that to someone my size.”

Ball boy attacked at Celtic match

Hearts vow thug fans won't win as ball boy, 13, struck by coin ...

By DAVID McCANN

Published on Friday 10 February 2012 15:55

HEARTS today vowed to keep ball boys at games against Celtic despite another schoolboy being injured by a coin thrown from the crowd during the high-pressure clash.

The latest incident saw a 13-year-old struck in the lower back about 30 minutes before full-time, prompting Tynecastle security to withdraw all ball boys and girls from the area as tensions mounted.

Police have launched an investigation but it is understood CCTV footage of the incident was “inconclusive” and it is not known which set of supporters was responsible.

Wednesday night’s incident, which saw paramedics treat the boy for a minor injury, is the latest in a string of ugly incidents during games against the Glasgow club.

It comes less than a year after Hearts supporter John Wilson ran on to the pitch at Tynecastle and lunged at Celtic manager Neil Lennon. During that same match, a 14-year-old ball boy was reported to have been hit by a 2p coin.

And in October the News told how a schoolboy football team was left “shaken and shocked” after being subjected to foul-mouthed abuse from Celtic fans when they took to the Tynecastle pitch.

It is understood fans from both clubs had been aiming coins at each other during Celtic’s 4-0 win.

Linda More, a Hearts season-ticket holder whose 14-year-old daughter was a ball girl at Wednesday’s match, said there was a “poisonous” atmosphere whenever Celtic visited.

“It’s so hostile at these games now and it’s kids who have got caught in the crossfire,” she said.

“My daughter said there were coins being thrown and that they were told to leave the pitch and go into the main stand for their safety. It seems like in each game we play now there’s some sort of incident.

“Why do kids need to be subjected to that, especially when you are trying to encourage them to go to football? It’s just wrong.”

Gorgie Councillor and Hearts supporter Eric Milligan said: “Last season there was a very bad edge at the Hearts games against Celtic and it has led to things that shouldn’t have happened.

“Throwing coins on the pitch or doing anything that might disrupt the business of the ball boys has to be deplored.”

A Hearts spokesman said: “There was a ball boy struck by a missile and he was examined by the medical people, but no further treatment was required.

“The ball boys and girls were removed as a matter of precaution.

“They will be back in place when we next play Celtic, but if their safety is compromised the same action will be taken.”

Celtic FC said they had not been informed about the incident, but it is understood that they would co-operate with Hearts and the police if necessary.

A police spokesman, said: “Inquiries are ongoing following a report of a 13-year-old ball boy being struck by a coin.”

Meanwhile, a 42-year-old man has been charged with a breach of the peace aggravated by religious prejudice during the game and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Celtic fan denies singing pro-IRA chants at Dundee United game

A Celtic fan accused of singing a pro-IRA chant at a game is contesting the accusation on the grounds that of "relevancy".

Gary Moore allegedly chanted pro-terrorist slogans at the Glasgow club’s match against Dundee United at Tannadice Stadium on November 4 last year.

The 36-year-old is accused of singing in support of a proscribed terrorist organisation which was likely to incite public disorder.

Moore, of Tanfield Street in Glasgow’s Springboig, was not present at Dundee Sheriff Court on Friday when the case under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act called.

Andrew Sloane, defending, said: "We are taking a plea to the relevancy in this case. The song he is accused of singing should not be under this legislation. It wasn't a song related to a proscribed terrorist organisation."

Moore had been banned from attending matches after being charged in a previous hearing, but that sanction was lifted at the most recent calling of the case.

Mr Sloane added: "He is a 36-year-old man, an accountant, a father-of-three and a man of good character. He is a Celtic season ticket holder and has been since 1995. His ticket cost him £600 for this season."

Sheriff Richard Davidson continued the case to a hearing on the relevancy of the charges on February 20.

The SPL match finished 2-2 with Dundee United scoring twice late on to cancel out Celtic's goals from Miku and Tony Watt.

http://local.stv.tv/glasgow/211388-celtic-fan-denies-singing-pro-ira-chants-at-dundee-united-game/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Celtic fan to stand trial for 'racially abusing Rangers players' on Twitter

A man is to stand trial accused of racially abusing two former Rangers players on Twitter.

Michael Convery, 41, from Govan, Glasgow, is accused of making racist remarks which caused or were intended to cause alarm and distress.

The alleged comments were made to Swansea player Kyle Bartley and Bursapor midfielder Maurice Edu on January 14, 2012.

Both players were with Rangers at the time of the alleged incident.

Convery denied the charges when he appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

A trial date has been set for later this year.

http://local.stv.tv/glasgow/211094-man-to-stand-trial-for-racially-abusing-kyle-bartley-and-maurice-edu/