Cops warn Novo over street brawl
RORY CASSIDY
Rangers legend Nacho Novo has been handed a police warning over a late-night street fight in the Village.
The retired striker was filmed raining blows on a man outside Stefanos pizza restaurant in Hunter Street earlier this month.
In shocking footage which went viral, the former pub boss, 40, was seen lashing out as a pal held their 30-year-old victim’s hood, preventing him from being able to move properly.
Sources say another man, 38, had his ear badly bitten in the melee, which involved five men and four women.
East Kilbride Police Inspector Aidan Higgins confirmed Police Scotland had launched a probe into the incident, which took place on Saturday, March 7.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “A 40-yearold man has been given a recorded police warning.”
Information about Recorded Police Warnings are kept on file by Police Scotland for two years, and they can be taken into account if the individual commits another crime in that time.”
Novo previously laughed off the incident on Twitter.
But when contacted by our sister paper the Daily Record, and asked to comment about the incident and the Police warning, he said: “I can’t be bothered.”
The development comes after Novo’s unnamed victim said he had no issue with the Spanish striker following their altercation.
He said: “As far as I’m concerned, it’s done and dusted – it’s finished. It’s over and done with.
“Everyone’s seen the video, everyone knows what happened. There’s nothing else to say about it.”
Novo, who became a hero at Ibrox after his 25goal debut season sealed a 2005 league and cup double, lashed out after his friend grabbed the victim. As Novo’s pal held the victim and pulled his hood over his head, Novo, who ran the NN10 pub in Glasgow, rained down blow after blow on his head.
Bystanders could be seen and heard trying to bring the violence to an end, as the Spaniard and a woman fell onto the middle of the road.
Novo, then got to his feet and walked towards another man further down the road. Novo then approached the older man at the junction with Main Street and Stuart Street, outside the area’s Tinto Tapas Bar, and the warring groups headed their separate ways as the ex-footy ace was held back by three women and a man.
The clip showed onlookers shouting “Nacho” as they tried to bring the scrap to an end.