Rangers fan admits taking drum snatched from woman outside Hampden

A Rangers fan clashed with police after he got hold of a drum that had been violently snatched from a female St Johnstone worker.

Arran Watt, 22, was passed the instrument which had been grabbed from the supporters liaison officer outside Hampden Park on August 17, 2024.

The supporters liaison officer (SLO) had been pushed to the ground by the two unknown men who grabbed the drum from her hands.

The incident sparked crowd disorder with Rangers ultra group the Union Bears clashing with police.

Watt, of Irvine, North Ayrshire, struggled with officers and attempted to break away.

He also refused to hand over his personal details until he was told to do so.

Watt pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to charges of reset and breach of the peace.

He also admitted having a baton without a reasonable excuse or lawful authority while on bail for the earlier matters.

The court heard that the SLO was working at the time and had possession of a drum belonging to St Johnstone fans.

Prosecutor Victoria Keel said: “Before kick-off, she was assaulted by two unknown male Rangers supporters.

“She was pushed to the ground and the drum violently ripped from her grasp.

“The men ran back towards the Rangers fans in possession of the drum.”

The hearing was told that the men were chased by police officers.

Ms Keel added: “A disorderly crowd then formed as members of the Union Bears attempted to protect the men and became aggressive towards police officers.

“Watt, who witnessed the robbery, ran through the crowd and took possession of the drum which had been passed to him by one of the men.”

Watt was stopped by police but he struggled with them in an attempt to break away.

He initially refused to give his details until he was made to do so.

Watt was held in custody and released on bail with special conditions.

The hearing was told that Watt was caught with a baton in the driver’s door compartment when he was behind the wheel of an Audi A3 car in the city’s Parkhead on September 1, 2024.

Watt was with three other men in the motor which had been pulled over by police.

Ian Moir, defending, will make his plea in mitigation at next month’s sentencing.

Sheriff Louise Arrol KC stated that she will be considering a football banning order and asked for background reports to be prepared.

Watt had his remand in custody continued meantime.