Celtic fans in court after train trouble

FOOTBALL fans travelling from an Old Firm match have been accused of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by placing a flag on the window of a railway carriage, and singing and uttering offensive comments.

Three men and a woman, all from Edinburgh, appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court on charges that also included singing and uttering sectarian and racially offensive comments.

The charges relate to alleged trouble on a train travelling from Glasgow Queen Street station and Falkirk High station after the game, on April 29 at Parkhead, which Celtic won 3-0.

The four accused denied all the charges, which are under the new Offensive Behaviour at Football legislation.

They are James Argeo, 22, of Rankin Avenue; Joseph Battersby, 22, of Mannering Place; Louise Conway, 21, of Clearburn Court, Prestonfield; and Michael Higgins, 20, of Niddrie Marischal Crescent.

They were all released on bail until trial in September.

The four fans are accused of engaging in behaviour likely to incite public disorder by uttering offensive comments as well as other charges.