Celtic fan accused of singing pro-IRA songs at Dundee match is banned from away games

Published on 28/12/2012 12:06

A CELTIC fan has been banned from attending away matches after accusations that he sang pro-IRA songs during Celtic’s 2-0 win at Dundee earlier this week.

Dion McLeish was arrested at Dens Park following the incident, after police reported disturbances in the away support situated in the Bob Shankly stand.

The 19-year-old is accused to have sung a song supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation, believed to be the IRA, during the Scottish Premier League match on Boxing Day.

Four Celtic supporters, including McLeish, and one Dundee fan were reported over alleged offences during the match. McLeish denied the charge, which had been issued under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act during a short hearing at Dundee’s Sheriff Court on Friday.

Lynne Mannion, fiscal depute, asked that McLeish be banned from from all matches ahead of a trial date in the New Year.

Jack Brown, defending, said that his client had paid £500 for a season ticket and would therefore lose out if he was banned from attending every match.

McLeish was released on bail, with the special condition that he does not attend any Celtic away matches prior to his trial in March.

A pre-trial date has been fixed for Feburary.