Football fan sentenced over pitch invasion
A football fan hauled before the courts over a pitch invasion that marred Celtic’s victory over the reigning European champions will be sentenced today.
Robert McHendry (aged 27), ran on to the pitch and confronted an opposing player as Celtic celebrated a last-minute winning goal against AC Milan in Glasgow last month.
He admitted causing a breach of the peace at the October 3 match at Glasgow Sheriff Court, saying he was “carried away” by the goal.
Sheriff Craig Scott told him he viewed the incident seriously, before calling for reports ahead of today’s sentencing.
Single father McHendry ran up to Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida, after running on the Parkhead pitch, and made contact with the player before disappearing back into the crowd.
After briefly chasing after the fan, the Brazilian collapsed theatrically to the ground before being stretchered off with an ice pack against his face.
The whole incident was watched by millions on TV.
McHendry, of Cambuslang near Glasgow, handed himself in to police the following day and went on to admit the breach of the peace charge.
The labourer was handed a life ban by Celtic for his actions, and also publicly branded a “balloon” by First Minister Alex Salmond.
Celtic were fined £25,000 by UEFA as a result of the security breach, although half of this was suspended for two years.
The club will have to pay the rest if they offend again.
Dida was found guilty of unsporting behaviour during the incident and banned for one Champions League match.
