A man who sang sectarian songs on a train was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work yesterday.
Harry Stage, 19, admitted making the anti-Catholic remarks despite his own catholic background.
Oban Sheriff Court heard Stage, of 134 Holland Street, Glasgow, believed he was “set up” by a group of old school friends who were Rangers fans.
He admitted committing the offence on August 30 on the Glasgow to Oban train, on the stretch of journey between Dalmally and Oban, and to possessing cannabis.
Fiscal John Service said: “The accused was seen to be leading a group of four males in creating a disturbance.
“They had been approached by the conductor on the train and warned about the behaviour, but continued shouting and singing.
“When the train arrived at Oban they were met by police officers. One of the accused’s friends who had been with him produced video footage on his mobile phone.”
When Stage was arrested he was found to have a small amount of cannabis, worth £5.
Solicitor Edward Thornton said: “The background is very unusual. The songs were anti-Catholic which is rather astonishing when you consider he comes from a Catholic family and is a Celtic fan.
“He was travelling alone when he met a group of old school friends who were Rangers fans. He joined their company and drink was bought and consumed.
“Mr Stage was taught by the so-called friends the particular song. He feels he may have been set up as one of the friends took pleasure in showing the video to officers.”
