A balaclava-clad, firework-waving Hibs fan has been banned from attending football matches following an incident outside an Aberdeen bar.
Trouble flared on George Street outside the Butchers Arms in November last year before Hibernian were due to play Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
A large group of Hibs fans clashed with rival supporters and police ahead of the match, which Aberdeen went on to win comfortably.
Now Jack Davidson, 19, has appeared in court over his role in the disorder, holding a lit firework in the air in close proximity to passers-by and police officers.
When officers confronted the masked Hibs fan, Davidson quickly disposed of the firework, took off his balaclava and said he was sorry.
Fiscal depute David Rogers told Aberdeen Sheriff Court: “At 6.30pm on November 4 2022, outside the Butchers Arms pub, the accused was walking alongside a group of Hibernian supporters there to attend Aberdeen vs Hibs.
“The group was identified as Block Seven, which is a support group in relation to Hibernian Football Club.”
The group was obstructing the road at the junction between George Street and Hutcheon Street and acting in a “volatile manner”.
A number of ignited fireworks and pyrotechnics, as well as alcoholic drinks, were observed by police.
An officer then began to “usher” the group away from the junction “to diffuse the disturbance”.
Mr Rogers said: “The accused was spotted wearing all black clothing, a Hibs football scarf and a black balaclava over his head and was noted to be one of the members of the group causing the disturbance.”
Davidson was also noted to be holding an ignited firework which he was pointing upwards.
‘I’m sorry, it was me. I did set the firework off’
Mr Rogers went on: “Police approached the accused and asked him to dispose of the firework safely.
“The accused did not desist initially and then proceeded to throw the firework to the ground.
“The firework was diffused and the police then traced the accused and requested he remove his balaclava and he complied.”
Davidson was cautioned and arrested and replied: “I’m sorry, it was me. I did set the firework off.”
Appearing in the dock at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Davidson, of Albert Crescent, Wallyford, Musselburgh, pled guilty to culpably and recklessly holding an ignited firework while walking near pedestrians and police to their fear and alarm.
Defence agent Lynn Bentley said: “With regard to Block Seven, it’s part of a singing group. Nothing untoward but they seem to try and encourage atmosphere at matches.”
Ms Bentley said her client had no previous convictions and was just 18 at the time.
‘He accepts he behaved extremely stupidly’
She said: “There may be a slight issue with the behaviour of the group. He lit the firework which is what drew the attention of the police.
“He was approached, he put the firework out as police instructed, he took his balaclava off and apologised.
“The offence was, of course, the day before what might be referred to as firework night.
“He accepts, in hindsight, it was an extremely foolish and reckless act to carry out in close proximity to others and he bitterly regrets that.
“He accepts he behaved extremely stupidly and wishes to have the matter resolved as soon as possible.
“He has not been attending matches since.
“This appears to be a young man behaving as sometimes young men do and bitterly regretting it.”
Sheriff Ian Wallace fined Davidson £470 and banned him from attending regulated football matches in the UK for three years.
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