Hibs fan banned for cup final day attack on Jambo

A HIBS fan has been banned from attending any football match for three years after attacking a Hearts supporter on Easter Road hours after the Scottish Cup final.

Kevin Watt, 23, and fellow Hibee Steven Eng, 24, launched the attack following their team’s 5-1 defeat at Hampden in May.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard how Watt, who had been drinking and was angry, struggled with and tried to punch the man, who was pushed by Eng.

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The victim was said to have been walking with a group of Hearts fans in the area but police have not been able to trace him.

Officers did, however, manage to gather enough evidence to have the pair 
prosecuted.

As well as a £500 fine, Watt, of Pilton Park, was handed a three-year football banning order by Sheriff Nigel Morrison QC, meaning he is barred from attending any professional match in the UK.

He has also been banned from entering pubs in Easter Road when Hibs are playing.

Eng, of Lochend Road South, was fined £270.

Watt and Eng had already pleaded guilty to the assault charges in May and sentence was deferred to give the court time to obtain reports about their characters.

Sheriff Morrison yesterday told the pair that thuggish acts at football matches would not be tolerated.

Bosses at Hibs Supporters Club said they hoped the sentence would deter others.

Mike Riley, club chair, told the News: “We do not condone violence – no supporter deserves to have something like that happen to them.

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“If the sheriff saw fit to hand out the fines and the match ban then you have to hope it will be a deterrent.

“It’s a difficult situation. Anyone should be allowed to walk down the street and sing for their team but it was maybe a bit silly for the Hearts fans where they were.

“If there was no reason for them being there then they were looking for trouble – but then we do not have the full facts. Maybe those Hearts fans live in Easter Road.”

The sentence has been welcomed by prosecutors, who slammed the behaviour as “irresponsible” and 
“unacceptable”.

Faith Millar, east of Scotland football liaison prosecutor, said: “The vast majority of football supporters in Scotland are dedicated and enthusiastic.

“However, a minority are involved in disorder and 
violence.

“Attending football matches or simply supporting your team, wherever that may be, should be an enjoyable experience for all and not be spoiled by the minority.

“The behaviour of Kevin Watt and Steven Eng was irresponsible and unacceptable both in law and to the majority of genuine football supporters.”

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