SCALES OF JUSTICE Celtic fan who lashed out at cops avoids ban order
A CELTIC fan who kicked off inside his team’s stadium has avoided a Football Banning Order.
Stephen McPhee was watching the Celtic vs Rangers cup semi final on April 17, 2016 on a television in the Jock Stein lounge at Celtic Park.
After the Hampden match ended, the 39-year-old was described as being highly intoxicated.
Staff at the Parkhead stadium told McPhee to calm down after he started shouting and swearing.
It was noted that he was shouting “f****** h*ns” and “f****** scumbags” in an aggressive manner.
His behaviour continued after staff told him to leave the premises and called the police. A short time later, he left the ground and headed towards Gallowgate where he was picked up by police.
When officers caught up with him, he lashed out with his arms and struggled with them as he was being placed under arrest.
McPhee, of Loch Loyal, East Kilbride, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to shouting, swearing and actively aggressively.
He also pleaded guilty to resisting arrest by lashing out with his arms and struggling with police officers.
His defence agent told the court that his client had been watching the Celtic vs Rangers game in the lounge and subsequently drank too much alcohol.
It was noted that his shouting and swearing was directed at the television and not at anyone in the room.
After sobering up and regretting his behaviour, he approached Celtic Football Club to apologise to staff and security.
The procurator fiscal depute added that the Crown was seeking to implement a Football Banning Order due to the fact that the offence took place on football stadium grounds.
The sentencing sheriff rejected calls for the Football Banning Order and instead ordered McPhee to undergo unpaid work of 160 hours within five months.
Should he fail to do so, he can be summoned to appear again.