Fan with firework avoids ban

AN “avid” Celtic fan, who was found in possession of a firework in Easter Road has been fined £200 but escaped an order banning him from football grounds.

Martin Gunn, 20, of Lyons Quadrant, Wishaw, pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday to being in possession of the firework in the Hibs’ ground on October 26 this year.

Fiscal Depute, Mairi Vernon, said Gunn had been spotted with the firework on the way into the stadium. The police were told and they stopped him inside the ground.

The firework was in a rear pocket of his jeans. The fiscal asked the court to consider imposing a Football Banning Order on Gunn.

Defence solicitor, Colm Dempsey, said Gunn said he had not had any matches or a lighter with which to ignite the firework.