Celtic supporter suffered brain bleed after attack by Rangers fans outside Ibrox

Three Rangers fans who attacked a Celtic supporter outside of Ibrox after an Old Firm match are facing jail.

Ben Stanex, 24, Scott Dragsness, 55, and Andrew Graham, 21, all from Northern Ireland, attacked the man on March 8 this year.

The victim was ushering fellow fans onto a supporters’ bus when he was surrounded by a rival mob, including the trio.

The group shouted a sectarian slur at the man before he was punched by Stanex, who then repeatedly stamped on his head.

Dragsness and Graham then joined and kicked the victim on the body.

The victim was left unconscious and was later found to have suffered a bleed to the brain.

Stanex, Dragsness and Graham pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the assault of the man to severe injury and danger of life.

Rangers hosted Celtic earlier that day at Ibrox Stadium in a Scottish Cup tie, which the visitors won on penalties.

Attack caught in mobile phone video

Around 4.15pm, the victim saw a group of Celtic fans being chased by Rangers supporters.

He exited the bus to aid his fellow fans and usher them onto his supporters’ bus.

As he did this, he was confronted by the Rangers mob, which included Stanex, Graham and Dragsness.

Prosecutor Lauren Aitchison told the court that the group shouted: “Fenian b******s.”

The fiscal depute added: “At this time, Stanex punched [the victim] to the head, which caused him to fall to the ground.

“This was seen by Dragsness and Graham.

“Stanex placed his hands on the bus and repeatedly stamped on the head of [the victim].

“Dragsness at this point kicked the body of [the victim] and Graham then did the same.”

The trio made off and jumped on Rangers fans’ coaches, which were later pulled over by police.

The men were picked out at the time and arrested.

The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he was found to have suffered a brain injury.

He also sustained injuries to the back of his head and swelling to his left eye.

Mobile phone footage of the incident was shown to the court as all three men bowed their heads in the dock.

Gerry Devaney, defending first offender Stanex, of Belfast, told the court: “My client is in no doubt that this is a serious matter.

“He is studying sports fitness and is working part-time in Northern Ireland.”

He also helps run a youth football team back home.

Keith Tuck, defending Dragsness, of Belfast, said that his client is in full-time employment with a graphics company.

Peter Malone, defending NHS worker Graham, of Dundonald, County Down, told the court: “He has pleaded guilty to a serious offence.”

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre told the trio: “You have pleaded guilty to an extremely serious offence involving considerable violence towards a member of the public at the conclusion of a football match.

“I will call for a background report before I can sentence you.

“Your bail will now be revoked due to the serious of the plea and risk you pose to the public.”

The men will return to court for sentencing later this month.