AN AMATEUR footballer who threatened the referee and refused to leave the pitch when red-carded was prosecuted and his case called at Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday.

Jamie William Cowan (23), Camperdown Road, admitted by letter that on April 24 at Caird Park, he conducted himself in a disorderly manner, shouted, swore, threatened Bryan Cranston with violence and committed a breach of the peace.

Depute fiscal Chris Pirie said that the incident took place in the course of a Dundee amateur league football match.

Cowan was playing for Burton Albion against Bank Street Athletic. Mr Cranston was the referee of the match.

At about 3.20 pm one of the Bank Street players scored a goal, making the scoreline 2-2.

Cowan thought the goal ought to be disallowed and became angry.

He shouted and swore at referee Mr Cranston. He was given a red card and was told to leave the pitch but continued to shout at Mr Cranston.

Cowan had remained on the pitch and got a second red card and eventually went off, added the fiscal. However he continued to shout from the sidelines and threaten the referee, who was so concerned by Cowan’s behaviour that he abandoned the match.

The matter was reported to the police and Cowan was later tracked down.

When cautioned and charged Cowan had admitted that he was disorderly but denied threatening the referee.

Cowan’s behaviour was to be dealt with by the Dundee Amateur League and he was to be subject to a disciplinary hearing.

Sheriff Tom Hughes said Cowan’s behaviour was “totally unacceptable” and called for a personal appearance from him and background reports.

The case was continued until July 26.

* In the wake of the April incident Mr Cranston told The Courier he would continue to referee, but only Sunday morning matches. He refused to take charge of any Sunday Welfare Association matches, the league in which the court case match took place.