Celtic fan fined and banned for spitting at security man

A CELTIC fan who spat on a security guard after being refused admission to Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie at Caledonian Stadium in Inverness was fined £400 in court on Monday.

Taxi driver Christopher Smith (35) of Crow Road, Glasgow, appeared from custody at Inverness Sheriff Court and admitted assaulting Patrick McLennan, a security officer at the ground, by spitting in his face on February 4.

Depute Fiscal Ian Smith told Sheriff David Sutherland security staff were on duty at the South Stand at 1pm and they refused to allow Smith to enter the ground because he was drunk.

He was asked for his ticket which he handed over but Mr Smith said when he was informed it was policy for the ticket to be kept and he would not be getting it back Smith turned and spat in the face of Mr McLennan.

Eilidh Macdonald, solicitor said Smith was a self-employed taxi driver who lived with his girlfriend.

"He felt the guards were being over officious but accepts he should not have behaved in this way."

Ms Macdonald said the conviction could have an impact on his taxi licence.

Sheriff Sutherland fined him £400 and banned Smith from all Scottish Premier League football grounds for a period of six months.