Hearts fan banned for gestures at Spurs game

A HEARTS fan was arrested after making “offensive” gestures to the supporters of English premiership side Spurs, a court heard today.

Stuart Atkinson, 36, was detained during the Edinburgh side’s European clash against the London based team in August 2011, the city’s sheriff court heard.

The court heard how Atkinson, of East Craigs Rigg, Edinburgh, was caught after stewards looking after the travelling fans noticed him misbehaving.

Depute fiscal Malcolm Stewart said around 1,200 Spurs fans were “upset” after seeing him making “cutting” and “snipping” gestures with his hands in the shape of scissors.

Atkinson pleaded guilty to a breach of the peace before Sheriff Michael O’Grady QC.

The charge originally contained allegations that Atkinson made anti-Semitic gestures towards the Spurs support.

The EPL team is associated with the Jewish community in London.

However, the Crown agreed to delete the allegations from the charge after Atkinson agreed to admit his guilt.

Sheriff O’Grady deferred sentence until January 2012 in order for the court to obtain reports.

Atkinson is meanwhile banned from attending Hearts games.