Celtic fans clash with Dutch police before defeat by Ajax in Amsterdam

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/nov/06/celtic-fans-dutch-police-ajax-amsterdam?CMP=twt_gu

Eight police officers needed hospital treatment and more than 15 football fans were arrested after violent clashes before Wednesday's Champions League match between Celtic and Ajax in Amsterdam.

A spokesman for Amsterdam police said a large crowd of Celticsupporters turned on a group of plainclothes police officers in Dam Square, the city's historic heart shortly before 6pm local time, about three hours before kick-off in a match won 1-0 by Ajax.

"The officers took quite a beating," said the spokesman Rob van der Veen. "One of the officers was unconscious, another had his nose broken."

Earlier in the day the mayor of Amsterdam issued an emergency order allowing the police to remove people they judged to be a threat to public order.

Dutch media reported that fans attacked the police with thrown bottles and sticks. The news portal nu.nl reported that fans of the Belgian club Anderlecht and followers of Germany's St Pauli were also in the city.

Large numbers of Dinamo Zagreb fans are also in Amsterdam before Thursday's Europa League match against PSV Eindhoven.

Amsterdam Police said it expected the number of arrests to rise during the night and that a final figures would be "high". It is thought that fans from other European clubs were involved, although police said they "had kept themselves covered".

Celtic supporters had been urged by the club to be careful after an attack on Hoops supporters in a city-centre bar on Tuesday night.

Thousands of Celtic supporters flooded into Holland for the Group H game at the Amsterdam Arena.

A statement on the Celtic website said: "Celtic Football Club is urging all supporters in Amsterdam for tonight's Uefa Champions League tie with Ajax to be extra vigilant following an unprovoked attack on Celtic fans last night

"The attack in the city centre by an element of the Ajax support resulted in a number of arrests.

"Celtic are urging all supporters to be extra vigilant in the city centre and at the Amsterdam Arena, and to only stick to the advised areas for safety reasons."

At the pre-match media conference on Tuesday afternoon, the Ajax coach Frank De Boer expressed hope that the tiny percentage of fans he described as "crazy" would not disrupt the game.

Uefa opened disciplinary proceedings against the Dutch club after some of their supporters clashed with police and stewards at Parkhead last month during a match which the home side won 2-1.

The case will be dealt with by UEFA's control and disciplinary panel on November 21.

De Boer admitted that some Ajax fans remain a concern when asked if he was confident of the game passing off trouble-free.

"I am confident in that but you never know," said the former Rangers player.

"There is always some crazy people [who] try to disturb something but hopefully it will not happen."

Eight police injured as Celtic fans rampage through Amsterdam streets

http://news.stv.tv/west-central/2474...police-injured

Eight officers were injured as fans clashed in Amsterdam before Celtic's champions league match with Ajax.

Police said supporters armed with bottles and sticks fought in Dam Square on Wednesday afternoon.

A spokesman said the majority of the 15 arrested were Celtic fans.

"At the end of the afternoon a large group of Celtic supporters attacked police officers in plain clothes," a police spokesman told the Press Association.

"Eight were injured and one was knocked unconscious. A few of them had broken noses and needed stitches above their eyebrows and on their lips.

"Bottles and sticks were used in the attack which came out of nowhere. There were 15 arrests, mostly Celtic supporters."

"The officers took quite a beating," police spokesman Rob van der Veen told Reuters. "One of the officers was unconscious, another had his nose broken."

Amsterdam police said it expected the number of 15 arrests to rise and that a final figures would be "high".

Police seriously injured by Celtic fans in Amsterdam UEFA Champions League Clash

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24836820 Amsterdam Police say an attack by a group of Celtic fans ahead of the Champions League game against Ajax has left eight officers injured. The clash between supporters and police came in the centre of the Dutch city before kick-off at Amsterdam Arena. "There were 15 arrests, mostly Celtic supporters," said a police statement. "At the end of the afternoon, a large group of Celtic supporters attacked police officers in plain clothes. Eight were injured and one left unconscious." Celtic had earlier issued a warning to their fans to be "extra vigilant" in Amsterdam following an attack on their supporters on Tuesday. Police said the majority of those arrested in the latest incident were Celtic fans, although it is believed that supporters from other clubs were also involved. "Bottles and sticks were used in the attack, which came out of nowhere," they said of the fighting in Dam Square. Police said a few officers "had broken noses and needed stitches above their eyebrows and on their lips". Celtic lost the match 1-0 and face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages of the competition. In Tuesday's incident, a group of visiting supporters in the Dutch capital were involved in a violent incident in a city-centre bar. Celtic subsequently told fans to "only stick to advised areas for safety reasons". Some 12,000 Celtic fans were expected to be in Amsterdam for the Group H match. A club statement, issued on Wednesday, added: "Celtic Football Club is urging all supporters in Amsterdam for tonight's Uefa Champions League tie with Ajax to be extra vigilant following an unprovoked attack on Celtic fans last night. "The attack in the city centre by an element of the Ajax support resulted in a number of arrests. "Celtic are urging all supporters to be extra vigilant in the city centre and at the Amsterdam Arena." Celtic beat Ajax 2-1 last month and Uefa opened disciplinary proceedings against the Dutch club after some of their supporters clashed with police and stewards and damaged seats at Parkhead.

Racist Celtic fans riot in Amsterdam

Celtic fan fined for singing IRA songs at match in Inverness

http://www.highland-news.co.uk/News/Celtic-fan-fined-for-singing-IRA-songs-at-match-in-Inverness-16092013.htm

ATTENDING a fooball match at Caledonian Stadium proved to be expensive for a Celtic fan.

For Inverness Sheriff Court heard Brian Devine got caught up in the atmosphere and was spotted by police singing songs supporting the IRA.

He was arrested and when he appeared in court today, Devine (28), of Carriden Place, Wellhouse, Glasgow, admitted contravening Section 1(1) of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 by singing the provocative song.

Depute fiscal Kelly Mitchell said Caley Thistle were playing Celtic in Inverness on February 9 this year.

She said: "It was around 1.30pm and police officers at the south stand observed Devine singing songs in support of a terrorist organisation, the IRA. They observed him for about five to 10 minutes and then arrested him."

A solicitor for biscuit factory worker Devine told the court: "He just got caught up in the crowd. He started clapping along with them and then started singing and got caught up with the crowd."

He added: "He appeared from custody on the Monday. He has not attended a Celtic game since which is of concern to him."

Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood fined Devine £450.

Anthony Stokes released from garda custody after assault arrest

PAUL WILLIAMS – 12 AUGUST 2013

REPUBLIC of Ireland striker Anthony Stokes has been released from garda custody after he was questioned in relation to an assault.

Mr Stokes (25) left Irishtown Garda Station at approximately 3pm this afternoon.Wearing white trainers, jeans, a T-shirt, and carrying a large black holdall bag, the Celtic striker got into a white BMX X5 series vehicle which was waiting for him.

Mr Stokes (25) was being questioned in relation to an assault in a nightclub.

He was detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and can be held for up to six hours.

It’s believed that gardai showed Mr Stokes CCTV footage of the incident in the nightclub.

Gardai had decided not to arrest Mr Stokes before the sell-out friendly between Glasgow Celtic and Liverpool on Saturday.

During a visit home earlier this summer, it was alleged that Stokes had been involved in an assault at Buck Whaley’s nightclub on Leeson Street, Dublin.

Ballyfermot Elvis impersonator Anthony Bradley (42) was treated for a suspected broken nose and chipped teeth following an incident in the nightclub.

The alleged incident occurred several hours after the international between Ireland and the Faroe Islands at the Aviva.

Celtic's Stokes arrested over alleged assault on Elvis impersonator

Celtic's striker Anthony Stokes has been arrested in connection with an alleged assault on an Elvis impersonator.

The Republic of Ireland player is being questioned by police in Dublin following an incident at a nightclub that took place in June after the World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands.

According to the Irish Independent, police decided not to arrest the 25-year-old before Saturday's sell-out friendly between Celtic and Liverpool but have subsequently questioned him.

During a visit home this summer, it was alleged that Stokes had been involved in an assault at Buck Whaley's nightclub on Leeson Street, Dublin.

The Elvis impersonator, 42-year-old Anthony Bradley, was treated for a suspected broken nose and chipped teeth following an incident in the nightclub.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/aug/12/anthony-stokes-arrested-celtic-ireland

Homophobic Celtic hooligan handed a year-long football ban

A Clydebank football hooligan who nutted a copper and unleashed a disgusting homophobic rant has been handed a one-year football banning order.

Celtic supporter Gary Prior was also slapped with a £400 fine after his outrageous actions at Starks Park - home of Raith Rovers in Kirkcaldy - in February this year.

The loud mouthed yob appeared in the dock at Kircaldy Sheriff Court last week after having being found guilty of public disorder at a football match, assaulting a police officer and committing a breach of the peace following his arrest.

The court heard how arrogant Prior was first spotted by eagle-eyed cops shouting support for what court papers described as a "prescribed terrorist organisation", outside the ground in the build-up to Raith Rovers' Scottish Cup clash against Celtic.

They were also told how during his arrest he headbutted an officer and continued to act in an aggressive manner during the journey to Kirkcaldy Police Station where he continued his tirade.
It was explained to the court Prior was shouting and threatening police, before making comments of a homophobic nature, as well as making threats of violence towards them.

The 21-year-old has been serving a ban from every stadium in Scotland since the offence took place on February 3 this year. Just two days after the ban kicked in, he told mates on his Facebook page how he was "heavy gutted" to be missing the Parkhead side's clash with Juventus in the Champions League last season.

Other posts on Facebook indicate he went to court in a confident mood and would be returning to Celtic Park soon, but his hopes were dashed when the sheriff showed him the red card by banning him for a further 12 months.

Prosecutors told the Post they were satisfied with the outcome of the case and will continue to keep the pressure on football hooligans.

Faith Millar, Football Liaison Prosecutor for the East of Scotland, said: "The [Crown Office] is absolutely determined to play its part in confronting the problems of violence motivated by prejudice or discrimination of any kind.

"Prosecutors will continue to work with the police to take whatever measures are necessary to protect genuine fans from criminal behaviour while attending football matches. We will prosecute anyone indulging in such behaviour with a zero-tolerance approach and reiterate the message that it has no place in modern Scotland."

http://www.clydebankpost.co.uk/news/roundup/articles/2013/07/26/465444-clydebank-hooligan-handed-a-yearlong-football-ban/#sthash.QgjIUnCS.t7nJczJK.dpuf

Bees chief sorry for Celtic hooligans 'bad behaviour'

http://www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/west-london-sport/west-london-brentford-fc/2013/07/24/bees-chief-sorry-for-celtic-bad-behaviour-109642-33650072/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

BRENTFORD FC's chief executive has pledged to take action against hooligans who spoiled last weekend's friendly between Bees and Celtic.

Mark Devlin apologised to residents for the disruption before and after the game, and said he was saddened that the prospect of Brentford taking on Scotland’s league champions had turned sour.

The Chronicle reported how drunken Celtic fans repeatedly set off smoke bombs and invaded the pitch during the match on Saturday (20) which the Hoops won 2-1.

People living nearby also complained about noise, vandalism, and masses of litter left by the 6,000 travelling supporters who came to Griffin Park for the first time in 50 years.

Mr Devlin said: "Saturday’s match was a very good test for the First Team squad and one that will, I’m sure, stand them in good stead for the upcoming season. The Manager was very positive about the standard of opposition and a number of our players have said publically that the atmosphere was fantastic.

"Usually pre-season friendlies at Griffin Park are played in a relatively quiet stadium in front of a couple of thousand fans. This was nothing like that. The noise generated by the Celtic supporters was unlike any I have seen at a pre-season game. It was very disappointing, therefore, that the afternoon ended with a pitch invasion despite a very high police presence inside the ground.

“Fortunately, no damage was caused to the pitch or goalposts during the invasion. CCTV pictures were taken, and will be passed to the authorities and individuals who have invaded the pitch are being identified. Supporters were searched on entry and anyone found with flares or smoke bombs was denied entry.

"The use of flares and smoke bombs at football matches in England is dangerous and of growing concern to the football authorities. It was abundantly clear that some did get through and this will be discussed at the usual post-match briefing. We have been made aware of reports of several acts of anti-social behaviour caused by some Celtic fans arriving very early, having consumed a fair amount of alcohol.

“We would like to apologise to any local residents who may have suffered as a result of this behaviour. We were of the understanding that there would have been a police presence in the area of Griffin Park from early on Saturday morning, especially as some pubs were open earlier than normal. 

“As always, the Club will reflect on the match with our safety group, which includes representatives of Hounslow Council and the Metropolitan Police. This will take place soon.” 

Celtic fans with drugs, intent on trouble and repeated pro-IRA singing report Daily Mail

22 Jul 2013, Scottish Daily Mail
By BRIAN MARJORIBANKS

ON A clammy afternoon in London, Celtic’s pre- season friendly against Brentford turned into a heated mix of football to savour on the park and unsavoury fan behaviour off it.

A 2-1 win for Neil Lennon’s men at Griffin Park ended with a tense stand-off between rival fans as police and stewards did a great job of keeping the two sets of goading supporters apart.

That the incident did not develop into serious trouble was largely down to their sterling efforts, but while both clubs and the Metropolitan Police were keen to play down events afterwards — with the Met reporting just two Celtic fans arrested, one for possession of Class A drugs and the other for invading the pitch — this was not the kind of behaviour advisable of a club with a burning hunger to eventually widen its footballing horizons.

Bangers and flares were routinely sent off, while intruders ran on to the pitch at both Celtic goals, with another disrupting the game by entering the field of play to take a goal-kick for unsuspecting Parkhead keeper Lukasz Zaluska.

The afternoon was rounded off by a mass pitch invasion, with a malevolent minority intent on provoking trouble, which thankfully did not come to pass despite the Griffin Park groundsman’s vain attempt to dampen the desire for trouble by turning the sprinklers on the miscreants.

The most depressing aspect of the whole game, however, was the repeated pro-IRA singing and the goading of the home fans, although a portion of the London club’s fans fired back with chants of ‘ EDL’ (English Defence League), with one Brentford ‘supporter’ ejected by police for shaking a Union Flag in the direction of the visitors.

‘They were a bit over- exuberant,’ said Lennon, who was escorted off the park by security guards at fulltime in case troubled exploded. ‘Heat, a few beers — there was a carnival atmosphere, although I would like them to leave the flares out of it.’ When the smoke had cleared, literally, after a day of flares, it was almost lost in the chaotic scenes that this had been a decent performance by Lennon’s second string, augmented by top-team players Efe Ambrose and new signings Steven Mouyokolo and Amido Balde.

After flattering to deceive in Germany, £1.7 million striker Balde’s best Celtic performance yet yielded his first goal for the club, cancelling out Adam Forshaw’s opener for the League One side, and, full of confidence, he could have had another but hit the post when clean through on keeper Jack Bonham. Teenager Calum McGregor’s first- ever senior goal, meanwhile, was a piece of sublime finishing, while there were also decent cameo appearances from Bahrudin Atajic and young full-back Darnell Fisher.

And even if the majority have no chance of playing against Cliftonville in tomorrow’s dead-rubber Champions League second-round second-leg qualifier at Celtic Park, they will have benefited from the occasion, which was as far removed from a friendly atmosphere as possible. ‘We had to get off the park really quickly at the end, after the pitch invasion,’ said a wide eyed Fisher. ‘ You could tell on the way to the game it was going to be lively because there were fans out singing on the roads. ‘But I was just delighted to play. I’m from Reading and my family were at the game today, so that made it extra special. ‘My goal this season is to get as many minutes as possible for the first team. I take inspiration from people like James Forrest and Tony Watt, who have got into the first team at a young age. If you’re good enough at this club, then you’re old enough, and I want to be where they are now.

‘The manager has told me to keep working, keep my head down and keep pushing for the first team. I don’t know what his plans are for Cliftonville, but I’m here if he needs me. I feel ready and I’m confident in my own ability.’

Before joining Celtic, Fisher, 19, was playing for Reading-based youth football side Eldon Celtic, although they played in black and green stripes, not hoops. He still marvels at the way his big break came about and how he found himself rubbing shoulders with a Lisbon Lion.

‘I’ve been really lucky,’ he smiled. ‘A couple of years ago a mate called and asked me if I fancied a game for Eldon Celtic against the Jimmy Johnstone Academy at Eton College. I played, and the Academy invited me up to Scotland to play in a tournament, where we faced Rangers.

‘A guy at the Jimmy Johnstone Academy knew Bertie Auld and Bertie took an interest in me when I arrived. He showed me around Celtic Park and he helped me settle in.
‘Bertie’s a legend and people are in awe of him when they meet him, but he’s just a really down-to-earth guy.

2 Celtic fans arrested: Celtic fans backed by Lennon on Brentford trouble

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/celtic-fans-backed-by-lennon-on-brentford-trouble-1-3009224

CELTIC boss Neil Lennon has spoken out in support of the club’s fans in the wake of a pitch invasion at a pre-season friendly against Brentford on Saturday.

Flares were thrown onto the pitch during the game, which Celtic won 2-1. A number of fans had to be removed from the field by security, while some were seen trying to take down the goalposts

 Lennon, who was escorted from the field, spoke out in support of the fans. Talking to the Daily Telegraph, he described the supporters as “over-exuberant”.

“I would like them to maybe leave the flares out. But they were in good voice today and hopefully everyone’s gone home in a good mood.”

The Metropolitan Police said that two people were arrested at the game, for entering the pitch and alleged possession of Class A drugs respectively.

Celtic fans invade pitch and vandalise Brentford FC sprinkler system

Celtic fans turn on Drummer Lee Rigby with sick messages after English visit

Celtic fan found guilty of knife possession during UEFA Champions League tie

http://news.stv.tv/west-central/233467-celtic-fan-marcus-finn-cleared-of-punching-police-horse-at-parkhead/

A Celtic fan has been cleared of punching a police horse and calling it a "big f****** dog" while on his way to a match.

Marcus Finn was attending the match against Barcelona at Parkhead last November 7 when the incident occurred.

The 39-year-old was arrested and accused of striking the animal in Janefield Street, Parkhead.

Finn was taken to a police office in the grounds of Celtic Park on the night of the Champions League tie. Officers found the football supporter had a knife in his possession.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday, Finn, from Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, pled guilty to possessing the offensive weapon, while his plea of not guilty to hitting the police horse was accepted by the Crown.

Sheriff Martin Jones QC accepted that the engineer manager forgot he had the knife in his pocket.

Finn was given a community payback order and must carry out 160 hours of unpaid work.

Celtic won the European group stage tie against the Catalan side 2-1.

Politician calls for UEFA investigation into "pro IRA chanting" at Cliftonville v Celtic Champions League qualifier

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/cliftonville-and-celtic-make-solitude-rock-like-never-before-29429143.html

DUP MLA Edwin Poots hit out at what he described as pro-IRA chanting at the game.

"Pity that a great footballing spectacle was marred by stupid pro-IRA chanting tonight," he wrote on Twitter. "Will require a UEFA investigation now."

Celtic fans clash with riot police at UEFA Champions League qualifier

Sectarian chanting at Celtic UEFA Champions League clash

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/sectarian-chanting-at-cliftonville-celtic-clash-1-5295068 The arrival of hundreds of Celtic fans in Belfast for last night’s match against Cliftonville passed off largely without incident. However, sectarian chants during the Champions League qualifier angered many football fans watching the game live on television. Many loyalists used social networking sites last night to call on elected representatives from the nationalist community to condemn those responsible. There had been fears the game in north Belfast could add to an already tense atmosphere after five nights of rioting in parts of the city. Both sets of fans spent much of yesterday drinking together in the area around Cliftonville’s Solitude ground after the Scottish fans were warned not to sport their green and white hoops around the city centre. Speaking prior to the game, Celtic manager Neil Lennon said he hoped nothing would happen to mar the occasion. Commenting on previous nights of violence in the area, Lennon said: “It hasn’t had an impact on us and I am hoping the night will be remembered for all the right reasons.” Celtic’s website had posted advice for travelling fans. Quoting advice from Cliftonville director David Begley, it said: “Belfast city centre is a very welcoming place... but it’s probably best to avoid wearing colours into the city centre. “I would say to all fans to make your way up to Cliftonville Road from the city centre. By doing that you can avoid difficulties. It can be tricky as 100 yards in the wrong direction and you could be in the wrong place.”

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