Fan fined for racism after shout at Celtic's Welsh star

Kevin Bonar shouted the remark as he watched Hearts play Celtic at Parkhead last season. Bonar's lawyer argued his actions were not an offence and that the care worker should be cleared.

But Sheriff John Baird yesterday branded it "flagrant behaviour" and convicted him of a racially-aggravated breach of the peace.

Bonar had been part of the travelling support at the match on 2 April, which Hearts won 2-0.

Midway through the game, Celtic were awarded a corner and Wales international Bellamy raced across to take it.

PC Duncan McLeod - who was patrolling near the visiting fans - told Glasgow Sheriff Court that he spotted Bonar, 29, out of his seat, yelling.

The officer said: "He was shouting at [Craig Bellamy] 'you wee, little Welsh b*****d'. After he said this, we removed him, told him he was under arrest and he said he was sorry."

Questioned by Bonar's lawyer, Iain McSporran, why he had been arrested, PC McLeod said he believed it had been "a racist comment".

Mr McSporran then asked what would have happened had a fan abused Bellamy's ex-team-mates John Hartson by calling him "a fat b*****d" or Neil Lennon "a ginger b*****d".

The PC said he would have told off the person involved - but would not have arrested him or her as that was not deemed an offence.

Bonar - who had denied the charge - was fined 250.