Two men banned from every UK football ground for Old Firm violence

Two Rangers fans who were involved in violent scenes following the Old Firm Scottish Cup quarter final at Ibrox in March have been banned from every football ground in the UK.

Mackenzie Graham, 21, from Glasgow, and 19-year-old John Smith from Peterhead, took part in the chaotic scenes that followed Celtic’s penalty shoot-out victory.

Both individuals admitted to charges related to their actions captured in video footage.

Graham was recorded jumping over a fence and leading a group to invade the pitch, encouraging others to follow suit, after Celtic fans spilled onto the park to celebrate their win.

Fans clashed on the pitch following penalty shootout

Smith was seen throwing a bottle into a group of Celtic supporters, which led to his apprehension by police officers.

Graham has been sentenced to a two-year Community Payback Order and an Electronic Monitoring Order, along with a five-year Football Banning Order that restricts him from every football ground in the UK and travelling to support any team.

Last month, Smith received a 12-month Community Payback Order and a four-month Restriction of Liberty Order, alongside a five-year Football Banning Order.

Fraser Gibson, Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin, said:

"The behaviour of these two men contributed to mayhem at a major sporting event."

"A blight on Scotland's communities"

"It caused fear and distress amongst football fans and members of the public."

"Peaceful supporters, children and disabled people were caught up in the chaos and had to be shepherded to safety."

"Football-related crime is a blight on Scotland’s communities. It will not be tolerated."

"It should be understood that anyone who chooses to contribute to football-related disorder can expect to be held accountable by COPFS, Police Scotland and the courts."

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