Former Celtic and Forfar goalkeeper Robert Douglas was subjected to sectarian abuse by opposing fans before a pitch invasion at the Angus club.
The 44-year-old was called a “Fenian” and “Jock Stein’s lovechild” by a section of visiting Airdrieonians FC support during a crunch title decider last year.
Ian Bear and Ryan Lawrence appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted running on the pitch at Station Park and tussling with the Scotland international.
Douglas, who was capped 19 times and known as Rab during his playing career, was giving evidence during the trial of both men and two co-accused when Bear and Lawrence pleaded guilty.
The court heard the keeper was the subject of early “banter” with a group of 15 away fans, but was later called a “Celtic paedophile” as the game progressed, and one fan spat on his back.
“As the goalie on the pitch, you’re closest to the travelling fans,” he told the court.
“Normally it’s good banter but it actually turned a bit more severe.
“When we scored I celebrated, as I’m entitled to do, and things escalated.”
After Forfar scored a late winner that denied the visitors promotion, Bear and Lawrence, both of Airdrie, ran on the pitch and struggled with the keeper.
Douglas said he was warned about the pitch invasion by left-back Ian Campbell, and punched two men as they came at him.
“We exchanged blows and I was only defending myself,” he said.
“I’ve had over 650 games and it’s only the second time this has happened to me.
“I shouldn’t have to worry about what’s behind me
“I didn’t know if he’s got a bottle, a knife – anything.”
Bear, 36, of George Street, and first offender Lawrence, 19, of West Drive, pleaded guilty to breaching the peace on April 11.
Sheriff Gregor Murray deferred sentence to August 11 for the preparation of background reports, and continued their bail on the condition they do not attend organised football games.
Sheriff Murray told Bear, who has two previous convictions for football disorder, that he was “in serious trouble.”
Solicitor Richard Hutchison said one conviction was for rioting in 2006 but was “basically a substantial number of fans running down the street and police attempting to stop them.”
Douglas Allsop, 40, of Albert Place, Airdrie, and Kenneth Murray, 30, of Canal Place, Aberdeen, had their not guilty pleas accepted by the Crown.
