Footballer Shaun Rooney cleared of attacking teenager

Shaun Rooney played for St Mirren at the time of his arrest

Footballer Shaun Rooney has been cleared of assaulting a teenage girl in a chip shop.

The 29-year-old was accused of attacking Sophia Bruce, 18, at the Blue Lagoon on Glasgow's Queen Street on 19 September 2024.

The footballer, who was with Scottish Premiership club St Mirren at the time, argued with Miss Bruce and her friend Hussan Shah, 19, after believing they had skipped the queue.

Sheriff Joan Kerr told Rooney that she was not impressed by his evidence, but there was reasonable doubt about what had happened and that she would give Rooney "the benefit of the doubt".

Rooney, who now plays for Fleetwood Town, was accused of repeatedly pushing Miss Bruce, seizing her on the body, twisting her arm and kicking her body.

He faced a separate allegation of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at the same date and location.

It was stated the alleged offence was aggravated by prejudice related to sexual orientation.

Rooney left St Mirren by mutual consent in October 2024 after he was charged.

In his evidence, he said he had been at a Celtic match earlier that day and then a casino.

Rooney stated he had five pints of beer throughout the day before he went on his own to the chip shop, where he encountered Miss Bruce and Mr Shah.

A row broke out during which Mr Rooney and Miss Bruce exchanged insults, before Rooney said the teenager kicked him on the shin.

Rooney stated that he kicked Miss Bruce back "by accident" and denied using a homophobic remark to her friend.

Miss Bruce previously told the court that she had been left with a red mark which turned into a bruise.

Sheriff Kerr said Rooney's description of his kick sounded more like revenge than an accident, and that a police officer had found him in an aggressive state.

However, she said: "Just because I don't accept your version entirely doesn't mean the case is proved against you.

"There were so many discrepancies with the Crown witnesses and the court has to conclude there is a reasonable doubt about what happened on this occasion.

"You get the benefit of that doubt and I find you not guilty."