Celtic fan banned for two years over Shankland gesture

Various stewards with yellow high vis jackets on lead three Hearts footballers - wearing maroon shirts and white shorts - off the pitch as Celtic fans run about the field.

A Celtic fan who made an offensive gesture to ex-Hearts player Lawrence Shankland during a pitch invasion has been banned from football matches for two years and ordered to do unpaid work.

Liam Connolly, 37, entered the Celtic Park pitch after his side were victorious against the Edinburgh club on 16 May, a result that clinched the league title for the Hoops.

He went on to approach then Hearts striker Shankland, 31, and made an "offensive gesture" towards him.

Connolly pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to committing breach of the peace.

Celtic defeated Hearts 3-1 in a final day top of the table clash which meant the home side went on to win their 56th league title.

After the game, there was a mass pitch invasion from home fans.

Court papers said Connolly, of Kirkcaldy, Fife, conducted himself in a disorderly manner.

The charge said he formed part of a disorderly crowd and entered the field of play, before making the gesture to Shankland.

The supporter was carrying a child unknown to the Crown during the incident.

He was ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work and banned from football matches for two years.

Original source Celtic fan banned for two years over Shankland gesture

Back to home