‘Ashamed’ Hibs fan fined after brawl at cup final
A HIBS fan has been fined over his part in the pitch invasion at last year’s Scottish Cup Final match.
John Taylor, 41, ran towards the Rangers end of the field at Hampden Park after the final whistle when Hibs won 3-2 on May 21, last year.
He shouted and gestured then kicked a man that was already involved in an altercation, before fighting with him.
Taylor, from Inverkeithing, Fife, pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to an offence contrary to the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act.
He also admitted assaulting an unknown man.
Yesterday sheriff Linda Ruxton fined Taylor £565, reduced from £750, and didn’t impose a football banning order after hearing he has been banned for life by Hibs.
The sheriff also read references that were given on behalf of Taylor before passing sentence.
She said: “I don’t think you will be before a court again in your life. You are embarrassed and ashamed of your behaviour that day.”
Procurator fiscal depute Louise MacNeill said Taylor was caught on camera at the Rangers end of the pitch and made his way to an area where both sets of fans were.
She said: “At this point he was merely walking, not gesturing the accused then changed his demeanour and became more aggressive.
“He was seen shouting and gesticulating running towards Rangers fans.”
The court heard he was then captured again, kicking a man who was fighting with another person.
Miss MacNeill added: “The male chased the accused and they appeared to engage in a fight with each other which lasted a matter of seconds.”
Rangers fans Richard Barnwell, 36, and Mark McKinlay, 29, pleaded guilty to offences under the football act.
Barnwell, from Newlands, Glasgow, admitted climbing over advertising boards on to the pitch and assaulting an unknown person by repeatedly kicking them on the head and body.
McKinlay, from Renfrew, also admitted climbing over a barrier on to the field, and assaulting Dale Pryde by running towards him and repeatedly punching him on the head.