Celtic fan gets ban order for Old Firm gun gesture

Paul Clark, 30, was captured on CCTV at the game between Celtic and Rangers on April 29, 2012 pointing the object and making a motion towards the opposing fans.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court Clark denied gesturing a piece of wood in a manner “suggestive of a firearm” at Celtic Park, but was found guilty by sheriff Bill Totten after a trial.

He was handed a year-long football banning order.

The court was shown footage of Clark, from Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire at the football match.

Sheriff Totten accepted the Crown case that Clark was seen holding a flag and making a movement with the pole towards Rangers fans as though it was a rifle.

The court heard that after being captured on the footage, season ticket holder Clark, was arrested at a later date for the offence.

The match on April 29, 2012 was the last Old Firm game before Rangers moved to the third division.

Speaking following sentencing Stephen Ferguson, Football Liaison Prosecutor for the West of Scotland, said: “Paul Clark behaved in an unacceptable and offensive manner and will now have to face the consequences of his actions.

“Attending Football matches should be about enjoying the match event and most certainly should not somewhere you are subjected to offensive and inflammatory behaviour.

“The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will continue to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to football related disorder of any kind and will continue to bring those who perpetrate such crimes to justice.”