A DUNDEE United fan who ran on to the pitch during a European tie at Tannadice has been banned from attending football matches for three years.
Barry McHugh (26) invaded the pitch to celebrate a goal with the United players during the Europa League qualifier against Dinamo Moscow in August.
McHugh, Coupar Angus Road, by Birkhill, was given a football banning order covering the whole of the UK and told he must carry out 110 hours’ unpaid work in the community.
McHugh admitted racing on to the pitch to celebrate with players after Willo Flood scored, before jumping back into the stand and trying to hide from stewards and police.
At a previous hearing he was warned by the sheriff that he could face a ban preventing him from watching football “even if he got a flight to outer space” if he did not show a change in attitude.
In October the court was told he had written to the club to apologise but Dundee United denied having received any such letter and said he was banned from Tannadice for life.
On Monday, solicitor Anika Jethwa said: “He’s been in the supporters’ trust for three years. The mitigation put forward was that this was a case of exuberance.
“Far too much alcohol had been taken and excitement that a goal had been scored resulted in this bad behaviour.
“There was no assault, no intent to harm any individual. An apology has been sent and acknowledged. The club is still preparing to meet with him and we think this will be constructive.”
Sheriff George Way said: “This is not the first time Mr McHugh has had a football aggravated breach of the peace.
“He is a long-standing and clearly connected supporter and not just someone who randomly attaches himself to the club.
“I’ve taken into account this was an act of exuberant celebration and he is aware of the financial penalty to the club caused by his disruption.”
It also emerged that McHugh had been convicted of a football-related offence at Paisley Sheriff Court in 2009.
McHugh was told that in addition to the standard terms of a football banning order, he must not travel to or attend any town or city where Dundee United FC are playing. He must also register at police headquarters in Dundee one hour after the published kick-off time of any match day.
Vicki Bell, football liaison prosecutor for the North of Scotland, said: “The actions of Barry McHugh were both irresponsible and reckless and brought shame on him and our national game.
“Football matches should be an enjoyable experience for all and should not be marred by such behaviour.
“The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service will continue to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to football-related disorder of any kind.”
awilson@thecourier.co.uk