Seven Green Brigade members face ‘IRA song’ trial

SEVEN members of the Celtic fans’ group the Green Brigade are set to stand trial next year on charges of singing a song associated with the IRA at a number of Premiership and Champions League games.

The seven men deny all charges. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Paul Duke, 37, and Ross Gallagher, 29, from East Kilbride, Christopher Bateman, 28, from Irvine, David Gallacher, 22, from Glasgow, Sean Cowden, 21, from Rutherglen and Kieran Duffy, 18, from Coatbridge, are accused of singing The Roll of Honour at Celtic’s home Champions League qualifier against Elfsborg on 31 July.

Mr Gallagher, Mr Bateman and Greg Robertson, 28, from Glasgow, are accused of singing the song on 3 August at a league game against Ross County, while Mr Robertson and Mr Gallagher are also charged with singing at a home game on 24 August against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The men stand accused of behaving in a way “likely to incite public disorder”.

A trial date has been set for next June, and the seven men pleaded not guilty to all charges, which they deny.