Green Brigade members face trial over ‘IRA song’

SEVEN members of the Green Brigade are to stand trial later this year for allegedly singing a song in support of the IRA.

The Green Brigade section, pictured during a Celtic v Hibs match in April 2013. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Paul Duke, 37, Ross Gallagher, 29, Christopher Bateman, 28, David Gallacher, 22, Sean Cowden, 21, Kieran Duffy, 19 and Greg Robertson, 28, are charged with the offence.

The seven men are alleged to have behaved in a way that “is likely or would be likely to incite public disorder” by singing a song - the Roll of Honour - in support of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) at Celtic Park.

All of the men maintained their pleas of not guilty when they appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday for a pre-trial hearing and the trial was adjourned until November.

Duke and Gallagher, from East Kilbride, Bateman, from Irvine, Gallacher, from Glasgow, Cowden from Rutherglen and Duffy from Coatbridge, are accused of singing the song at the champions league qualifier match at a Celtic against Elfsborg match on July 31.

Gallagher, Bateman and Robertson, from Glasgow, are accused of singing the song on August 3, at the first game of the season against Ross County.

Robertson faces a further charge, with Gallacher, of singing at a home game on August 24 against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

SEE ALSO

• Green brigade a ‘welcome boost’ says Lennon

• Comment: Trouble in paradise for Green Brigade

• Celtic ban 128 fans, close Green Brigade section

• Celtic warn fans after Green Brigade banner fine

• Celtic ‘had to take action’ against Green Brigade