Man tells court he was ‘stabbed’ over football

A MAN told a jury that he could have died after he was allegedly stabbed over an argument about Celtic and Rangers.

James McGill, 42, claimed he received 36 stitches after he was allegedly assaulted by David Hunter, 33, at his home in Glasgow’s Knightswood on January 9, 2020.

Mr McGill said he pleaded with Hunter for his life before being told at hospital that his wounds were life-threatening.

Hunter is on trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court accused of assaulting Mr McGill to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of his life.

He is also accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by allegedly discarding of clothing and cleaning items at the scene including a knife.

The court heard from Mr McGill who claimed in evidence to have been invited by Hunter to his flat on Banner Drive. The witness said he went out to a shop during the meeting and returned to an “aggressive” Hunter.

Prosecutor Lucy Adams asked what Hunter was aggressive about. He replied: “Mr Hunter was like that as we both support different football teams, we were talking about football.”

Miss Adams asked what teams and Mr McGill replied: “Celtic and Rangers.”

McGill said: “He punched me on the head first in the living room sitting on the sofa. The next thing a knife came out and slit my wrist and I bent over on the floor.

“I got stabbed on numerous occasions on the left and right leg and on the neck.”

Miss Adams asked what Mr McGill was doing when this was happening, he replied: “Begging for my life to let me out the house.”

Mr McGill said he flagged down a taxi on Great Western Road while his wrist was “skooshing with blood”.

He was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment where he stated he received 36 stitches over his body.

Hunter denies the allegations and the trial continues.