Celtic fan in court after flares hurled at Tannadice

A CELTIC supporter never got to join in with his team’s title celebrations at Tannadice after clambering along a wall and hurling flares.

Gary Noon appeared from custody to admit acting in a threatening and abusive manner and possessing controlled items at Dundee United’s cinch Scottish Premiership tie against Celtic on Wednesday night.

Noon, who travelled to the game on a supporters’ bus from Springburn in Glasgow, was ejected long before the title party began.

He clambered up a stadium wall, hurled abuse at home fans and threw three unlit flares, one of which was caught by a police officer.

Fiscal depute Sarah High said: “At 7.50pm, a male was reported to have climbed an external wall of Tannadice.

“The accused was seen to make his way towards the Carling Stand.

“The wall was narrow, with a 20ft drop on one side and a large fence at the other side.”

Noon, 28, made his way along the wall, which came to an end at a further 10ft drop.

“The accused then turned to Dundee United supporters and began to gesticulate towards them,” Ms High added.

She said Noon’s actions stirred up “agitation” among the home fans and police quickly attended.

“The accused then went into the waistband of his clothing and pulled out what appears to be a number of pyrotechnics.

“He threw three of the items into the Carling Stand, one of which was caught by a police officer.

“The police encouraged the accused down from the wall.”

Noon was arrested 15 minutes into the match and was in custody at West Bell Street Station before the second half had kicked off.

Defence solicitor Morgan Day said: “He is a Celtic fan. He travelled through on his local supporters’ bus.

“He understands that he shouldn’t have had them (pyrotechnics).”

Ms Day explained that Noon was throwing the flares to Celtic supporters who were asking for them, sensing he was about to be apprehended.

However, Sheriff Alastair Carmichael deferred sentencing until today to check whether Noon was doing as his solicitor suggested, or was throwing the flares into the United support.

“They weren’t lit,” Ms Day added. “That is his position, he was passing them to someone else.

“I think they were of the view that he was about to be detained.”

Mr Day explained Noon had spent fourand-a-half years behind bars in total, having been convicted of various offences including traffic matters and theft.

He is awaiting sentence at Alloa Sheriff Court for having a SIM card behind bars and has an unexpired portion of a custodial sentence.

“He’s currently working with Parkhead social work department in Glasgow.

“There have been a number of custodial sentences. He is struggling re-engaging with society following being in custody for such a substantial amount of time.

“He advises me that he suffers from ADHD and PTSD. He’s been unable to seek support in the custodial setting.

“That’s the first time he’s consumed alcohol since being released.”

Noon, of Downs Street in Springburn, Glasgow, pled guilty to climbing an external wall at Tannadice, standing on the wall and repeatedly shouting and gesticulating in an offensive manner towards opposition support, as well as to possessing pyrotechnic devices and throwing them towards supporters.

Sheriff Carmichael remanded Noon in custody.

Ms High said the Crown is seeking a football banning order.

The game finished 1-1, securing Dundee United’s return to European competition next season and clinching the title for Celtic.