A Celtic fan escaped a football banning despite being caught with green smoke bombs at McDiarmid Park.
Colum Martin, 24, of Motherwell, appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on Wednesday.
He had travelled to Celtic versus St Johnstone in Perth on December 13 last year on a supporters’ bus and was caught with the smoke bombs.
Perth Sheriff Court heard how Martin had been spotted by security staff with items in his pockets.
Depute fiscal Rebecca Kynaston said: “Officers found a smoke grenade was found in the left-hand side pocket of his coat.
“A further search led to two more smoke grenades being found within the accused’s coat.”
Martin admitted being in possession of the smoke grenades while trying to enter the ground.
His defence agent claimed they were not deliberately “concealed” and said Martin was asked to take them by another supporter because he was wearing a coat.
However, Sheriff Fiona Tait said a banning order could not be imposed as possession of the grenades couldn’t be classed as an act of violence or disorder.
Martin was ordered to carry out 180 hours’ unpaid work in the community.
Chief Inspector Mike Whitford, of Police Scotland’s Tayside Division said he welcomed the Sheriff’s decision.
“I would take this opportunity to remind fans that football matches should be enjoyable events for those attending, without the risk of harm or injury from smoke bombs or flares,” he said.
“Police Scotland is working with the clubs to help get rid of this behaviour in football, which poses a danger to all fans.
“Police officers and stewards will continue to work closely at matches to ensure the safety and security of all spectators and those found with such items will be dealt with appropriately.”
Paul Smith, St Johnstone FC football administrator, said the club didn’t comment on individual cases, but added they condemned such behaviour.
“Every club wishes to see a good atmosphere at matches but it is imperative that such atmosphere is generated without the letting off of smoke bombs, flares or other pyrotechnics, which pose a significant risk to the safety and wellbeing of spectators,” he said.
“St Johnstone FC works very closely with Police Scotland and its match day stewarding company to minimise the risk of these items being brought into the stadium.”
