Derek Riordan to appear in court charged with ‘making homophobic threats’ to nightclub staff

FOOTBALLER Derek Riordan is to face trial on allegations that he uttered homophobic slurs during a violent struggle with pub staff.

• Derek Riordan to stand trial charged with uttering homophobic threats to nightclub staff

• Riordan also accused of seizing a nightclub employee by the throat

The 29-year-old appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on breach of the peace and assault charges yesterday.

Riordan originally appeared on the allegations earlier this year but the case was adjourned until yesterday after he entered not guilty pleas.

Prosecutors allege that the former Hibs and Celtic player became involved in a confrontation at the HMV Picture House venue in Edinburgh’s Lothian Road on 7 May.

It is alleged that after failing to leave when staff asked him to go, Riordan used threatening language and then struggled violently with staff.

He is also alleged to have made “homophobic comments which included comments of a sexually explicit nature” during the incident.

The second charge states that on the same date Riordan seized employee Michael Moore by the throat to his injury.

On Friday, defence solicitor Kathleen More told the court that Riordan was maintaining his not guilty pleas.

She added that Riordan was lodging a special defence of self-defence.

Sheriff Fiona Reith QC granted Riordan bail and adjourned the case until 9 October.