Rangers fan who encouraged mass pitch invasion at Old Firm jailed

A Rangers fan caught encouraging a mass pitch invasion at an Old Firm match has been jailed for 16 months.

Jordan Hadden, 28, waved at fellow supporters to come onto the field at Ibrox Stadium on March 8.

Rangers had just been beaten by city rivals Celtic on penalties in a Scottish Cup quarter-final tie.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that after the match had finished, Celtic fans initially entered the pitch from the Broomloan Road stand.

Hadden, of the city’s Tollcross, was in the Copeland Road stand on the opposite side of the stadium.

Prosecutor Abbas Ali said: “Hadden entered the pitch by overcoming the security barriers and took a position near the goal area with others unknown.”

Hadden was seen to wear a full black tracksuit, a black skip cap, a scarf around his neck and his face was clearly visible. His black trainers were noted to have white trim.

Mr Ali said: “Hadden was seen to turn to the crowd and wave at the Rangers fans and appeared to encourage them to enter the pitch by waving his arms repeatedly.

“A large number of fans entered wearing face coverings to hide their identities”

Hadden went on to cross the pitch towards where the Celtic fans were and approached the police cordon on the 18-yard box.

Hadden picked up an orange bottle near the officers, which he threw towards the Celtic fans.

Mr Ali added: “An unknown police officer was seen to take evasive action to avoid being struck with the bottle, which narrowly avoided hitting the officer.”

Hadden went back towards the Copeland Road stand, where he was then lost in the large crowd. He was later identified by CCTV.

The CCTV, which included footage from broadcaster Premier Sports, was played to the court in which Hadden was clearly identified.

Hadden pleaded guilty to conducting himself in a disorderly manner and committing breach of the peace.

He also admitted culpable and reckless conduct.

John McLaughlin, defending, told the sentencing that his client was under the influence of alcohol, which has affected his recall of events.

The lawyer added: “In the spur of the moment, he picked up the bottle and threw it over the cordon in the direction of opposition fans – he was not aiming it at anyone in particular.

“In the cold light of day, he knows his behaviour was extremely reckless and dangerous and could have caused an injury – he is fortunate no one was struck.

“He got caught up in a fertile atmosphere – he has literally attended thousands of Rangers matches home and away.”

When jailing him, Sheriff Lorraine Glancy KC told Hadden: “Had the officer not seen the bottle and taken evasive action, he could have been struck on the head with it. 

“Officers that day kept fans separate, preventing disorder and are to be commended for their bravery and professionalism.

“I consider that a prison sentence is appropriate to deter others from heaving in this way and to reflect the public’s disapproval for behaviour like this at football matches.”

Hadden was also given an eight-year football ban.