A St Johnstone fan was arrested for his role in a near-riot at McDiarmid Park after posting a selfie from the scene on his Instagram account.
Cameron McIntosh was amongst a group of about 30 supporters who clashed with police and stewards at the Perth stadium following Saints’ historic Scottish Cup win last summer.
Detectives struggled to identify many of the men from CCTV footage because most were wearing masks and hoods.
But McIntosh removed his balaclava for his incriminating Instagram shot.
He appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and pled guilty to a breach of the peace charge.
McIntosh is the fourth person to be convicted in connection with the fracas.
Sentence was deferred for four weeks, while bail conditions – which ban McIntosh from attending St Johnstone games, home or away – were continued.
Rowdy scenes caught on CCTV
Fiscal depute Stuart Hamilton told the court officers had anticipated crowds at the stadium during the evening of May 22.
“On the date in question, St Johnstone had competed in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park, where they won 1-0,” he said.
Sheriff Sean Lynch interjected: “I hear it has all gone downhill since then.”
Mr Hamilton said a group of around 30 to 40 men gathered on a grass verge, directly opposite the north gate.
“The group were described as rowdy, shouting statements like ‘f*** the police,'” he said.
The fiscal depute said the fans followed the players’ coach into an enclosed area.
“The group overcame security at the gate and ran through to the Heras fence cordon,” he said.
“The accused was captured on CCTV holding a blue pyrotechnic as he approached the perimeter gate,” Mr Hamilton told the court.
However, he did not have the device by the time he arrived at the second fence.
“The group attempted to force their way through the fence and climb over it, all while shouting abuse at police and staff,” said Mr Hamilton.
“Police and security guards struggled to maintain integrity of the Heras fencing.
“Due to the severity of the incident, officers requested immediate assistance from public order trained officers.
“Shortly after, the mounted unit was authorised to be deployed.
“Officers had to split the fencing to allow the horses to move forward, which forced the group backwards.”
He said: “Security guards said they were shocked and frightened by the incident and police had concerns that officers and others could be injured as a result of the group’s behaviour.”
Identified
Mr Hamilton told the court: “The accused was identified by a social media post on Instagram which showed him at the scene without a balaclava.
“He was later identified by his build and clothing on CCTV.”
McIntosh admitted conducting himself in a disorderly manner and forming part of a disorderly crowd which shouted, swore and forced its way through a perimeter fence.
He admitted being in possession of a pyrotechnic and attempting to force his way through a temporary security fence.
McIntosh, of Broomside, Perth, will be sentence on October 26.
Sheriff Lynch told him: “This is a serious matter and I will require background reports before sentencing.”
Other mob members convicted
Earlier this month, Saints fan Lewis McLeod was found guilty of being part of the same mob. He will be sentenced next month.
In June, 43-year-old Anthony Green admitted his role in the disturbance.
He was fined £3,000, but this was reduced following an appeal.
And four weeks later, Lindsay William-Bayley pleaded guilty to a breach of the peace charge and was fined £270.
