Football fans in court over sectarian remarks at Old Firm clash
Two football fans have appeared in court charged with shouting sectarian remarks before the Old Firm clash on Sunday.
Two football fans have appeared in court charged with shouting sectarian remarks before the Old Firm clash on Sunday. Gary McConnell, 27, allegedly made the remarks at Letherby Drive on the way to the Scottish League Cup semi-final between Celtic and Rangers. Scott Fraser, 30, is accused of shouting remarks at Battlefield Road before the match at Hampden Park on October 23, where Celtic won 1-0 after scoring in the 87th minute. Both men appeared separately from custody at Glasgow Sheriff Court where they were represented by Melissa Rutherford. McConnell from Hamilon, South Lanarkshire and Fraser from Largs, North Ayrshire, denied the charge they each face under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act. Papers from the court claim that the men "being a person on a journey to a regulated football match did engage in behaviour that is likely or would be likely to incite public disorder". Trials were set for next March and sheriff Norman Ritchie QC released the men on the standard conditions of bail. A 17-year-old also appeared from custody charged with being in possession of "three flares, a smoke article and two other pyrotechnic devices" at the game. His lawyer Paul Kavanagh entered a not-guilty plea on behalf of the teenager, from Greenock. The sheriff released him and ordained him to appear at his next court appearance and he is due to go on trial next year.