A Rangers fan who shouted offensive remarks to Celtic players outside Ibrox Stadium has avoided jail. David Murray went on the tirade to the Hoops stars as they entered the stadium for an Old Firm match on January 2, 2021.
The 26-year-old hurled comments and sang offensive songs. A viral video emerged of a group of Gers supporters shouting at their opponents before the match.
The group can be heard shouting remarks such as "Paedos" and "f***** c***" to Celtic staff leaving the team coach. Murray pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to conducting himself in a disorderly manner on January 2, 2021.
Murray, of the city's Priesthill, was ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work by Sheriff Tony Kelly. He was also put under supervision for 12 months and banned from attending all football matches for six months.
The sheriff said: "The comments you made were as part of a group and were disgusting and cowardly. These were directed to people who do nothing about it as they were making their way into the stadium and could not respond to you.
The charges are serious and grossly offensive. "Court papers state Murray congregated on the pavement at Edmiston Drive and repeatedly shouted, swore as well as uttered threats of violence.
Murray also incited public disorder, sang songs that were "grossly offensive" and "menacing in character." He then made an offensive gesture with his hands and committed breach of the peace.
The charge was aggravated by religious prejudice. Rangers went on to win the derby 1-0 due to a second half own goal by Celtic captain Callum McGregor.
Murray's lawyer told the sentencing that he does not minimise the offence despite his background reports suggesting otherwise. Jamie McNair said that Murray accepted his guilt on an art and part basis of being part of the group.
He added: "He appears to be aware of the seriousness of the position he finds himself in. "Due to the seriousness, you might think he has passed the custody threshold.
"He has been restricted from going to football matches since January 2021." It was revealed Murray has one previous conviction for the unlawful possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
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