A SQUASH coach at a leading private school has admitted his part in the violence and disorder which erupted on the pitch after the Scottish Cup Final.
Greg Binnie, who works part-time at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh, pled guilty to running at and making offensive gestures towards Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham after climbing over fencing at the end of Saturday’s match.
The 19-year-old, who is also studying sports coaching, was charged under the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act for being engaged in behaviour which was likely to incite trouble.
His sentence has been deferred for background reports. However, prosecutors have asked for him to be given a football banning order.
At Glasgow Sheriff Court, Binnie’s defence lawyer, Joe Murphy, said his client and his family have received threats over his involvement in the disorder and that Binnie is deeply ashamed.
The student, from Ratho, has been suspended from his position at George Watson’s College after images of him on the pitch appeared online. It comes as police reassured fans they were only looking to trace those supporters embroiled in criminal behaviour and not those who were simply caught up in the crowd.
A dedicated inquiry team has been set up at Govan police station in Glasgow as investigations continue into the match between Rangers and Hibernian which ended with thousands of supporters pouring on to the grass at Hampden Park.
Fans who took mobile phone footage of the violence and disorder during the pitch invasion are also being urged to hand over their images.
Detective Superintendent Kenny Graham, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our focus at the moment is on reviewing video and images in order that we identify those who were responsible for causing disorder, violence and antisocial behaviour on the pitch, not those who may have been caught up in the crowd. I am sure that there are people who witnessed or have captured incidents on their mobiles and it is vital that we speak to them so we can view any material that could help us.
“I understand that people may be reluctant to come forward but I want to reassure you that my focus is tracking down those involved in criminal behaviour.”
Hibs fans invaded the pitch at the final whistle as their team won the cup for the first time in 114 years.
Rangers claim several of their players and staff were assaulted, while scores of Hibs fans also ran to the Rangers end to goad the opposing supporters, resulting in violence between the two factions. Teenager Dale Pryde, of Edinburgh, also appeared on petition at Glasgow Sheriff Court, accused of attempting to punch Rangers players Lee Wallace and Jason Holt.
He is also accused of breaching the peace by running on to the pitch towards Rangers supporters and brandishing a chair. Mr Pryde made no plea or declaration and was released on bail to appear again at a later date. Fifteen people have been arrested or reported to prosecutors so far. But officers are trawling through CCTV footage and other videos and photographs in a bid to identify others.
They are also scouring social media to pick up on anyone identified online.
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