Dundee manager, and former Hibs defender, James McPake cleared of homophobic abuse

Dundee manager James McPake has been cleared of shouting homophobic abuse during a confrontation with two teenagers.

Dundee manager James McPake. Picture: SNS

The former Hibs centre-back was found not guilty of the offence, which was alleged to have taken place in a Dundee bar. McPake was at the establishment with former Dundee coach Gary Irvine, who admitted headbutting one of the young men after they taunted the pair over Dundee derby results.

McPake admitting shouting at Drew Rumgay and Owen Kane, both 19, but insists his comments were not homophobic. The 36-year-old says he became angered after the pair taunted him over a career-ending knee injury.

He told Dundee sheriff court: “I got in a situation I shouldn’t have got myself in. I wasn’t overly angry. I know I need to be careful in what I’m doing. I am disappointed I didn’t just walk out. I made a comment I regret, but it wasn’t the comment referred to.”

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