Linlithgow Rose fan faces court over Forfar Athletic flare

A FOOTBALL fan has appeared in court charged with throwing a flare and invading the pitch at a Scottish Cup football tie in Angus.

The game was delayed after a flare was thrown. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Kick-off in Forfar Athletic’s home game against junior side Linlithgow Rose was delayed on January 19 when a flare was thrown on to the artificial pitch.

The fourth-round tie at Station Park was later abandoned after seven minutes due to floodlight failure.

Jordan Kennedy, from Linlithgow, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court yesterday when a solicitor asked for more time to agree a possible plea with prosecutors.

A co-accused, Joshua Bell from the West Lothian town, failed to appear and had a warrant granted for his arrest.

Kennedy, 19, of Lovells Glen, and Bell, 22, of Deanburn Road, face four charges under Scottish football legislation.

They are alleged to have culpably and recklessly ignited a pyrotechnic smoke flare before throwing it into a stand filled with spectators, to their danger; possessed a flare; were drunk in the stadium; and behaved in a disorderly manner, running on to the pitch.

A solicitor for a Falkirk lawyers’ firm said that Kennedy’s part in the alleged offence could be resolved next month.

He said: “I have spoken to Mr Kennedy and hope that this matter will resolve after continued negotiations with my friend (the procurator fiscal).”

The court heard the men were warned by police against attending any regulation sporting event.

Fiscal depute Robbie Brown said: “What I’d be asking is he does not attend any designated SFL match.”

Sheriff Gregor Murray said: “It’s my understanding that he supports a junior football team.”

The sheriff granted a special bail condition for Kennedy not to enter any SPL, SFL, or Scottish Junior league game until the case resolves.

The sheriff told Kennedy: “On that basis alone, I will ordain you to appear.

“You can take it as read that if this resolves as indicated, this will be a very serious matter indeed.”

Kennedy’s case was continued without plea to next month and he was granted bail.

The court heard Bell had signed the undertaking to appear form but had not turned up.

A non-attendance warrant was granted for his arrest.

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