A teenager who admitted hurling sectarian abuse on a train some of it directed at a serving sheriff has been fined £500 and given a year-long football banning order.
Jamie Rhodie (19), of Gartcosh, admitted being part of a group of Rangers fans who approached Hamilton sheriff Harry Small, who was wearing a green jumper and was with his son, and asked him an offensive sectarian question.
Along with around 10 other Rangers fans, Rhodie sang sectarian songs about Celtic legends Danny McGrain and Tommy Burns, which continued all the way from Glasgow to Dundee ahead of the SPL clash at Tannadice on September 10 last year.
Rhodie was due to stand trial at Dundee Sheriff Court, accused of conducting himself in a disorderly manner, repeatedly jumping up and down, singing sectarian songs and uttering sectarian comments while acting with others unknown.
His agent, advocate Niall McCluskey, told the court he pleaded guilty.
Mr McCluskey said: ”He’s never been in trouble before and has no previous convictions. His girlfriend at the time had lost her baby. He went off the rails, drank too much and got caught up in the actions of others.”
Sheriff Colin McRory said: ”Your behaviour was disgusting. Decent members of the public, not at all connected to football, simply going on a journey, were subjected to this vile conduct, language and disruptive behaviour.”