A veteran security guard has told a court how he was forced to retreat from a group of advancing St Johnstone fans when post-match celebrations “went pear-shaped” at McDiarmid Park.
Kevin Smith, 60, was in charge of a team of nine security officers at the Perth stadium on the day last year Saints brought home the Scottish Cup.
He said dozens of jubilant young supporters gathered outside the grounds to welcome players back from their triumphant win at Hampden.
But the atmosphere changed when the coach arrived and “aggressive” fans charged into a restricted zone at the side of the stadium.
Mr Smith gave evidence at the trial of 23-year-old Lewis Macleod who is accused of forming part of a “disorderly crowd” that threw flares, smoke bombs and other pyrotechnics at police and security officers.
It is alleged the group forced their way through a perimeter gate, kicked and damaged a temporary security fence, shouted, swore and hurled glass bottles and other items.
Macleod, of Belmont Park, Scone, denies the charge.
Melted boot
Mr Smith, who has worked in security for 20 years and is employed by G4S, said he was supervising at the Perth stadium on the evening of May 22, 2021.
He told Perth Sheriff Court a group of around 20-30 young men gathered outside the stadium.
“They had met up to celebrate St Johnstone winning the cup,” he said.
Mr Smith told the trial the group was generally well-behaved and stood at the edge of the grounds for about an hour.
“They weren’t being threatening or anything.
“They were singing, chanting and bouncing up and down.
“Things stayed light until the bus arrived.”
The gate was opened to let the coach and three staff cars through, before being closed again.
“The group then approached the gate and tried to force their way in,” said Mr Smith.
“They were just using sheer force to get the gates open.
“It was all starting to go pear-shaped.
“It became more aggressive and they started throwing fireworks, flares and smoke devices.
“They were landing on top of us, behind us, all over.”
He said he got word from the control room to get his team back behind a temporary fence.
“Someone reached through the gate and lifted the bolt and the gates swung open.
“I have never had so many items thrown at me at one time.
“There seemed to be hundreds of things.
“I pulled my cap down to try and protect my eyes.”
He said: “One flare landed next to my foot and melted the side of my boot.”
The group of fans began “pushing, pulling and climbing” on a temporary fence, while security officers stood behind.
Flare landed on mounted officer
Police officer James Marshall told the trial he trawled through CCTV to identify those responsible.
“Police Scotland had received intelligence about this incident and Mr Macleod’s name was mentioned.
“I don’t know the source of this intelligence.”
PC Marshall said the CCTV footage – shown in court – showed a “rowdy” group of supporters gathered outside the stadium.
“Early on there was general rowdiness but I would say that there was later a criminal element, given the items that were being thrown.”
He said the footage showed a thrown flare landing on a mounted police officer’s knee.
An unnamed St Johnstone player appeared behind the temporary fence and walked towards the group of fans.
PC Marshall identified Macleod in the footage and told the trial he was “very much involved… very much encouraging himself and others.”
Questioned by solicitor Pauline Cullerton, defending, PC Marshall agreed Macleod was not at the front of the group and was not seen throwing pyrotechnics.
The trial before Sheriff Donald Ferguson continues next month.
