Spitting Rangers fan up in court
ARANGERS fan spat t o w a r d s t h e segregation line a f t er h i s team scored a goal during a Sc ot t i s h L eague Cup semi- final.
Rangers took on Hibs at Hampden on November 21, 2021, with the match ending 3- 1 to the Edinburgh side.
Calum Harper, 22, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court last week after previously pleading guilty to spitting at police officer Nicole Gormley.
Prosecutor Jennifer Sillars said: “The accused was seated next to the segregation line, which was being controlled by police officers and stewards. He was seated within the Rangers end.”
When Scott Arfield scored in the 40th minute, Harper spat in the direction of the segregation line, towards officer Gormley.
The prosecutor added: “This was witnessed by another two police officers. The spit did not make contact with the officer.
“The accused was removed from his seat, arrested, and cautioned and charged. He made no reply to caution and charge.”
Sheriff Amel Elfallah was asked by the prosecutor to consider making Harper subject to a football banning order. Ms Sillars added: “This is an incident which qualifies. It fits the criteria of violence and disorder.”
Harper’s lawyer described his client’s behaviour as “disgusting” but said: “He has no previous convictions and has no cases outstanding. He is in full- time employment.” He added a banning order would “destroy” his client.
Harper, of Livingston, was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work as a direct alternative to custody.
The sheriff did not order a football banning order due to no further incidents since.