Celtic fan who mocked Ibrox disaster at Old Firm game fined £520

A Celtic fan who mocked the Ibrox disaster at an Old Firm game has been fined £520.

Darren Malloch, 34, was also banned from football matches for 14 months at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Malloch, of the city’s Parkhouse, had attended the match on May 4, 2025.

Prosecutor Sadia Bhatti said: “He was in possession of a mobile phone which he raised towards the Rangers support, displaying an image which appears to be the American Route 66 road sign.”

Malloch went on to check that the device was still displaying the image.

Ms Bhatti added: “Malloch raised his one hand and displayed five open fingers and one finger on his other hand which was directed in a pushing motion directed to the Rangers fans which indicated the number 66.

“Malloch with both hands made a diving motion, in reference to falling, which was directed to the Rangers fans in reference to the Ibrox disaster in 1971.”

The police were later contacted by the Ibrox Stadium security manager with CCTV footage.

Malloch handed himself on May 15 following widespread coverage on social media and the press.

In a statement after the match, Rangers said: “It is deeply upsetting that once again, an incident like this has occurred.

“As the club has stated before, the Ibrox disaster remains the darkest day in our club’s history and continues to affect a number of families to this day.

“The mocking and celebration of any tragedy is abhorrent, and has no place in any football stadium or society as a whole.

“The club urges the justice system to take the appropriate action over these matters.”

Malloch lost his job after the company received a string of complaints.

Malloch pleaded guilty to conducting himself in a disorderly manner and returned to the dock to be sentenced on Wednesday.

Paul Kavanagh, defending, stated that his client’s actions were “reactionary rather than instigatory” but added that there was “no justification.”

The lawyer added: “It was a moment of madness – it was seconds in an otherwise unblemished life…he accepts his actions were abhorrent.

“He apologises not just to the author of his background report but for everything.”

“He wants the matter brought to a head as soon as possible.”

Sheriff Vincent Lunny stated that but for Malloch’s lack of record and it being a “one off” he would be looking at a greater punishment.

The former SFA compliance officer added: “Your behaviour was described as abhorrent.

“To make fun of deaths like that in that environment in front of a child is not a trivial matter.

“It could have led to a much worse response from the other side of the divide.”