A drunken grandad who shouted racist abuse at Celtic players at Pittodrie has been ordered to carry out unpaid work.
Ian Stewart had been in the South Stand during the clash between Aberdeen and Celtic on February 9 when he was heard making the racial comments.
The 55-year-old directed derogatory language towards Celtic players Jota, who he called an “Isis c***” and referred to him as “slanty-eyed”.
Stewart previously admitted a racially aggravated charge of breach of the peace.
Sentence had been deferred for a background report and he has now appeared back in the dock at Aberdeen Sheriff Court to be sentenced.
Defence agent Iain Hingston said: “I think and hope it comes across clearly in the report Mr Stewart is utterly ashamed and horrified by his behaviour.
“The type of language used is never acceptable and is not, for what it’s worth, part of Mr Stewart’s usual parlance.”
He said Stewart had no previous convictions connected to football or of a racial nature.
Mr Hingston went on: “He’s a man who has, over the years, attended many fixtures without a problem.
‘You have recognised that you have done wrong’
“He acknowledges drinking to excess does not provide him with any sort of excuse, but it absolutely is an explanation in the bedrock of how things went badly wrong on that occasion.
“His contrition is absolutely genuine. There’s no act here in turning up in a suit, etc. He’s ashamed and embarrassed.”
Mr Hingston said Stewart had written a letter he hoped could be passed on to the complainer in the case, a woman seated close to him in the stadium who had heard his shouts with her children.
He said Stewart did not have a season ticket but did often attend games with his grandson, who was not present on this occasion.
Sheriff Kevin Duffy said: “You have recognised this is inappropriate behaviour and that you have done wrong.”
He ordered Stewart, of School Drive, Aberdeen, to complete 160 hours of unpaid work.
For all the latest court cases in Aberdeen as well as crime and breaking incidents, join our Facebook group.
