Rangers fan gets football ban after woman attacked

Rangers fans' group the Union Bears clashed with police following the incident

A Rangers fan who was charged after a woman was assaulted and robbed before a cup tie against St Johnstone has been banned from football matches for two years.

Arran Watt, 22, was passed a drum which had been grabbed from Beverley Mayer outside Hampden Park on 17 August.

Ms Mayer, who is a supporters liaison officer for St Johnstone, had been pushed to the ground by two unknown men who snatched the drum from her.

The incident sparked crowd disorder before the Premier Sports Cup match, with Rangers fans' group the Union Bears clashing with police.

Watt, of Irvine, North Ayrshire, struggled with officers and attempted to break away.

He also initially refused to give his personal details.

Watt pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to charges of reset and breach of the peace.

He also admitted having a baton without a reasonable excuse or lawful authority while on bail for earlier matters.

As well as the football ban, Sheriff Louise Arrol KC ordered that Watt be tagged for six months - meaning he must remain indoors between 20:00 and 06:00.

Watt, who had been remanded in custody for 85 days, was also put under supervision for 18 months.

The sheriff said: "You understand that public disorder connected with football is frightening and damaging to people simply enjoying sport."

At the time of the incident, Rangers were playing their home games at the national stadium due to refurbishments at Ibrox.

They went on to win the last-16 match 2-0. The cup holders will play Celtic in the final on Sunday 15 December.