Threw bottle towards officer

COURT REPORTER

An Airdrie yob who launched a glass bottle from the crowd that narrowly missed a police officer during a football match has avoided jail time.

Rangers fan Nicholas Walker, 20, admitted assaulting the male cop at the Glasgow’s side’s Europa League clash with Spanish opponents Villarreal at Ibrox Stadium last November.

Walker was given a community payback order at Glasgow Sheriff Court with the condition he must carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within three months.

The court heard that while police were removing fellow supporter Paul Cairney from supporter Paul Cairney from the pitch, items were thrown by fans.

Walker, represented by Amy Hunter, was spotted on CCTV throwing the bottle.

He was stopped by police as he was leaving the stadium and admitted: “That was stupid.”

The court heard that Walker had apologised for his actions.

Cairney, 26, of Livingston, also pled guilty when he appeared from custody after the Rangers game.

He admitted conducting himself in a disorderly manner, leaving his seat in the stand entering the pitch and breaching the peace.

Cairney will be sentenced later this month.