Former boxing champ in sectarian bar room brawl

William Kelly’s opponent turned out to be former Scottish boxing champ Colin McNeil.

And although Celtic fan Kelly struck the first blow in a row over sectarian singing, McNeil delivered the knock-out punch.

Kelly ended up in hospital having nine staples put in a head wound after he had a pint tumbler smashed over his head.

But McNeil ended up in the dock charged with culpably and recklessly throwing the glass at Kelly.

Livingston Sheriff Court heard tempers were running high at Fauldhouse Cricket Club on the day of an Old Firm match between Rangers and Celtic last 17 April. An argument began after a drunk customer protested at staff turning off the jukebox because it was playing The Fields of Athenrye.

Julia McLaren, prosecuting, said the row ended up with Mr Kelly throwing the remains of his pint over the accused.

McNeil retaliated by throwing his beer over Mr Kelly.

She said Kelly had later been prosecuted for assault and fined £400. McNeil appeared for sentence yesterday after earlier pleading guilty to reckless conduct