A Rangers fan has been jailed for 16 months for encouraging a mass pitch invasion at Ibrox Stadium, a stark warning on fan disorder as ST Johnstone prepare for their Premiership visit there this Saturday. Jordan Hadden, 28, was also handed an eight-year football banning order for his actions following a Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat to Celtic on 8 March.
Hadden was one of the first supporters to storm the pitch from the home end after the final whistle. Wearing a black tracksuit and cap, he waved at fellow fans to follow him onto the field, having overcome security barriers near a goal. He then crossed the pitch towards the away section, picked up an orange bottle, and threw it in the direction of Celtic supporters. "Had the officer not seen the bottle and took evasive action, he could have been struck on the head with it," said Sheriff Lorraine Glancy KC during sentencing last month.
Hadden pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, breach of the peace, and culpable and reckless conduct. His defence lawyer, John McLaughlin, told the court his client had been under the influence of alcohol and acted "in the spur of the moment". Sheriff Glancy described the behaviour as "extremely reckless" and said a prison term was necessary to deter others and reflect public disapproval. Detective Chief Inspector David Lamont said Hadden's actions were unacceptable and that those involved in such disorder would be held accountable.
The sentencing serves as a pointed reminder of the potential for crowd trouble at Ibrox, the venue for ST Johnstone's next league fixture. Craig Levein's side, sitting 5th in the Premiership with 12 points from nine games, travel to face Rangers on 24 October. The Saints are unbeaten in their last two league outings, having drawn 1-1 with Dundee United last weekend, and will view the match as a significant test against the second-placed side. They are currently 12 points behind league leaders Celtic.
ST Johnstone's recent form reads one win, two draws and one loss from their last four matches, with their last victory a 1-0 win at Aberdeen earlier this month. That win came courtesy of a 14th-minute penalty from Josh Fowler, who also scored in the 1-1 draw with Dundee United last Saturday. The team has scored 11 goals and conceded the same number this season. The club's last meeting with Rangers was a pre-season friendly in July, but the competitive atmosphere at Ibrox this weekend will be a different proposition entirely.
