NI CELTIC FAN ADMITS ASSAULT ON PSG STAR
PORTADOWN MAN (21) IN TEARS AT COURT
A CELTIC supporter from Northern Ireland cried in court as he admitted charging on to the Parkhead pitch to confront Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.
Shamed Hoops fan John Hatton (21) appeared in Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday where he confessed to invading the pitch and assaulting former Monaco frontman Mbappe by attempting to kick him.
Hatton, from Churchill Park in Portadown, Co Armagh, pleaded guilty to assault under the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act and Threatening Communications Act (2012), which relates to behaviour “likely to incite public disorder”.
The Tesco worker was released on bail and sentence was deferred until October 11.
Uefa bosses are also set to take action against Celtic for the incident.
Hatton raced on to the pitch late in the first half with the hosts 3-0 down and made for Mbappe. He aimed a kick at the France striker but failed to make contact before being dragged away by stewards.
His lawyer told the court Hatton had drunk a lot of alcohol and couldn’t remember parts of the day. He has now been banned from every UK football ground.
On a difficult evening that saw the Scottish champions thrashed 5-0 — with Mbappe among the big-spending French club’s scorers — the unsavoury incident only added to Celtic’s woes.
The club have been charged with a count of field invasion and will have their case heard by the Uefa control, ethics and disciplinary body on October 19, a statement from the European governing body said.
Celtic have already been punished 11 times in six years over fan behaviour issues ranging from pro-IRA chants to fireworks, crowd disturbances and illicit banners. PSG have also been charged after their fans were accused of breaking seats at Celtic Park and will have their matter addressed at the same hearing as Celtic.
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers expressed his frustration with Tuesday night’s incident. Other Celtic fans were unhappy with the disruption just before the interval, and Co Antrim native Rodgers said the Parkhead club will take its own action.
He said: “The crowd reaction said it all. It is disappointing at any ground that a supporter gets on to the pitch. I am sure the club will deal with that.
“It shouldn’t be anything that we should see on a football field. The crowd in their reaction told you everything you need to know.’’
There were seven arrests at the match.