Goal for Raith Rovers nets striker court appearance

A FOOTBALL player scored a goal in a cup match and was then arrested by police for allegedly breaching his bail conditions.

The Raith Rovers striker Paul McManus is accused of entering Perth in breach of bail conditions set after he appeared on an assault charge last month.

He took to the field at McDiarmid Park for the game against St Johnstone on Tuesday night and more than 1,600 supporters watched as the young striker scored his sixth goal in his past five games to give Raith a shock lead in the 21st minute of the Bell's Cup quarter-final.

Tayside Police were made aware during the course of the game - which St Johnstone won 5-1 - that McManus was playing.

Police officers led him off the pitch at the final whistle and into their control centre within the stadium.

He spent the rest of the night locked up in police cells. He was allowed to put on his club tracksuit before being taken to Perth Police HQ. His father arrived with a change of clothes and he was wearing a shirt and trousers by the time he appeared in court 15 hours after the game ended.

McManus, of Auchmithy Place, Finglassie, Glenrothes, spoke only briefly at Perth Sheriff Court to confirm his name yesterday. His solicitor, Paul Ralph, lodged a not guilty plea on his behalf. McManus denies breaching a bail condition imposed at the same court on 1 August this year.

He was granted bail on that date on the condition that he did not enter the city of Perth. It is alleged he broke the bail order by playing at McDiarmid Park.

The fiscal depute, Bruce Macrossan, yesterday raised no objection to McManus being granted bail again and he was released to face trial in December.

A spokesman for Tayside Police said: "We can confirm that following the St Johnstone v Raith Rovers football match at McDiarmid Park in Perth last night, a 22-year-old man was arrested.

"He was reported to the procurator fiscal in Perth for breaching a bail condition and is expected to appear in Perth Sheriff Court."

They declined to comment on why McManus - who was listed to play an hour before kick-off - was allowed to complete the match. Immediately after the game, the Raith Rovers manager, Gordon Dalziel, said: "Maybe it's just one of those bad days at the office."

McManus, a former East Fife, Albion Rovers and Stranraer striker, was driven home from court by his father after yesterday's 60-second appearance.

He is the club's top scorer this season and is a clear leader of the online poll to find the fans' favourite player.

Raith Rovers' club secretary, Bob Mullen, said he was "fully aware" of McManus's appearance in Perth Sheriff Court yesterday.

He said: "At this point in time we have no comment to make on the situation."

Mr Mullen declined to say whether or not club officials were aware of McManus' bail condition when he was picked to play at McDiarmid Park.