SNS GroupA man who handed a 13-year-old boy a flare during an Old Firm game has been banned from football matches for two years.
Jamie McPherson, 37, lit two pyrotechnics during the clash at Celtic Park on September 1, 2024.
Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that ten minutes into the game McPherson ignited a green device which blew smoke.
He then lit another device, which bellowed orange smoke.
Prosecutor Ross Gunn said: “He handed this to a boy, which he waved.
“I understand that the boy is under the age of responsibility.”
McPherson, of North Lanarkshire, then went on to hold his own pyrotechnic device.
Mr Gunn stated: “There was a verbal disagreement with an unknown man regarding the pyrotechnic.
“After the device extinguished, people in the surrounding area were seen to wipe down their clothing as a result of the device.”
CCTV was later reviewed, and McPherson was identified as the culprit.
McPherson pled guilty to culpable and reckless conduct.
Laura Kiernan, defending, told the sentencing: “This was a really stupid error of judgement from him.
“He doesn’t normally attend football matches – a friend offered him tickets to Celtic Park, and he went along.
“Most members of the public are aware of the law but he was not.”
Sheriff Vincent Lunny fined McPherson £420 on top of the imposition of the football banning order.
He said: “Flares at football matches are venomous and have a risk of harm to the user and others around you.
“The fact you handed one to a 13-year-old is beyond irresponsible.”
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