Man who handed boy lit flare during Old Firm fails to overturn football ban

A man who handed a 13-year-old boy a flare during an Old Firm game has failed to repeal his football ban.

Jamie McPherson, 39, lit two pyrotechnics during the clash at Celtic Park on September 1, 2024.

The Hoops hosted their rivals in a match Brendan Rodgers’ men would go on to win 3-0.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that ten minutes into the game, McPherson ignited a green device, which blew smoke.

He then lit another device which bellowed orange smoke.

Prosecutor Ross Gunn said: “He handed this to a boy which he waved.

“I understand that the boy is under the age of responsibility.”

McPherson, of Clelland, North Lanarkshire, then went on to hold his own pyrotechnic device.

Mr Gunn stated: “There was a verbal disagreement with an unknown man regarding the pyrotechnic.

“After the device extinguished, people in the surrounding area were seen to wipe down their clothing as a result of the device.”

CCTV was later reviewed, and McPherson was identified as the culprit.

McPherson pled guilty to culpable and reckless conduct in February 2025.

Sheriff Vincent Lunny fined £420 on top of the imposition of the two-year football banning order.

Roofer McPherson appeared back in the dock on Tuesday to represent himself

He told Sheriff Lunny that he runs a successful business and has had to refuse football hospitality, including at Falkirk FC, on a number of occasions since his ban.

McPherson also claimed that he does not attend football matches. 

He said: “I have not breached the banning order in any way shape or form.”

Sheriff Lunny replied: “That’s expected – if you breach it, it’s an offence.  How old was the boy when you gave him the flare?”

McPherson: “13 or 14 – I know it’s reckless, and I fully accept responsibility.”

Sheriff Lunny: “You handed a lit flare to a 13-year-old and caused others to cover their faces – there needs to be a clear message to others. 

“The order only has another four months – I refuse the application.”