Celtic and Scotland striker Leigh Griffiths has apologised after being admonished at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.
The 25-year-old pled guilty to singing a song with offensive lyrics about former Hearts player Rudi Skacel in April 2014.
"I made a mistake, I wrongly became involved in this incident and did not fully consider my actions," said Griffiths.
"I apologise unreservedly for this. I am pleased that the Judge felt no further action was required, however this is a matter which I have absolutely learned from."
Fiscal Depute, Faith Miller, said police officers were on duty in Roseburn Terrace at around 10 am on Sunday, March 30, before the Scottish Premier League game between the two Edinburgh clubs.
A large number of Hibs fans had gathered waiting for the opening of the Roseburn Bar. Ms Miller said the fans began singing a song about Skacel to the tune of the Beatles “Yellow Submarine”.
The song contained the lyrics that Skacel was “a f****** refugee”.
The Fiscal told Sheriff Scott it was “a well-known Hibs song” and Griffiths was seen joining in.
When the Roseburn Bar opened, the Hibs fans inside began singing the song again.
The Fiscal said that the following Sunday, April 6, a newspaper printed a picture of Griffiths, a Hibs fan, standing on a chair in the pub, singing along with the other supporters.
Mr O’Donnell said his client apologised unreservedly for his actions.
In the 18 months since then, the lawyer said his client had not been in trouble. He also added that Griffiths had been fined four weeks wages for being involved in the incident.
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