Two men banned from every football ground in UK after Old Firm disorder

Two men have been banned from every football ground in the UK for five years for participating in disorder at an Old Firm game.

The Rangers fans were separately captured on video participating in the chaotic scenes which tainted the Scottish Cup Quarter Final in March.

Footage showed Mackenzie Graham, 21, from Glasgow, jumping over a fence and leading a group invading the pitch. He repeatedly incited others to do the same.

John Smith, 19, from Peterhead, had thrown a bottle into Celtic supporters in the stand and was apprehended by police officers.

Both men admitted the charges against them.

'Caused fear and distress'

Along with the five-year Football Banning Order, Graham was sentenced on Friday to a two-year Community Payback Order along with an Electronic Monitoring Order.

Last month, Smith was sentenced to a 12-month Community Payback Order and four-month Restriction of Liberty Order, along with the Football Banning Order.

The banning order prevents the men from going to any football ground in the UK and from travelling to support any team.

Fraser Gibson, procurator fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin, said: "The behaviour of these two men contributed to mayhem at a major sporting event.

"It caused fear and distress amongst football fans and members of the public.

"Peaceful supporters, children and disabled people were caught up in the chaos and had to be shepherded to safety."

He added: "Football-related crime is a blight on Scotland's communities. It will not be tolerated.

"It should be understood that anyone who chooses to contribute to football-related disorder can expect to be held accountable by COPFS (Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service), Police Scotland and the courts."

Original source Two men banned from every football ground in UK after Old Firm disorder

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