Rangers fan caught encouraging mass pitch invasion at Old Firm facing jail

A Rangers fan faces jail after being caught encouraging a mass pitch invasion at an Old Firm match.

Jordan Hadden, 28, waved at fellow supporters to come onto the field at Ibrox Stadium on March 8.

Rangers had just been beaten by city rivals Celtic on penalties in a Scottish Cup quarter-final tie.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that after the match had finished, Celtic fans initially entered the pitch from the Broomloan Road stand.

Hadden, of the city’s Tollcross, was in the Copeland Road stand on the opposite side of the stadium.

Prosecutor Abbas Ali said: “Hadden entered the pitch by overcoming the security barriers and took a position near the goal area with others unknown.”

Hadden was seen to wear a full black tracksuit, a black skip cap, a scarf around his neck and his face was clearly visible. His black trainers were noted to have white trim.

Mr Ali said: “Hadden was seen to turn to the crowd and wave at the Rangers fans and appeared to encourage them to enter the pitch by waving his arms repeatedly.

“A large number of fans entered wearing face coverings to hide their identities”

Hadden went on to cross the pitch towards where the Celtic fans were and approached the police cordon on the 18-yard box.

Hadden picked up an orange bottle near the officers, which he threw towards the Celtic fans.

Mr Ali added: “An unknown police officer was seen to take evasive action to avoid being struck with the bottle, which narrowly avoided hitting the officer.”

Hadden went back towards the Copeland Road stand, where he was then lost in the large crowd. He was later identified by CCTV.

The CCTV, which included footage from broadcaster Premier Sports, was played to the court in which Hadden was clearly identified.

Hadden pleaded guilty to conducting himself in a disorderly manner and committing breach of the peace.

He also admitted culpable and reckless conduct.

John McLaughlin, defending, told the court that his client is single, unemployed and was ordered not to attend football games after his bail was initially granted.

Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Sheriff Lorraine Glancy KC.

The sheriff told him: “At this time, standing the nature of the culpable and reckless charge, custody is in the uppermost in my mind.

“However, to allow reports to be prepared, I will continue bail meantime.

“The next time you come to court, be prepared for all eventualities.”