A Rangers fan has been jailed for 16 months for encouraging supporters onto the Ibrox pitch during disorder that followed a Scottish Cup match against Celtic. Jordan Hadden, 28, was sentenced at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday and banned from football for eight years.
Hadden was among the first fans from the home end to run onto the pitch after the final whistle in March. He signalled for others to join the invasion before picking up a bottle and throwing it, forcing a police officer to take evasive action to avoid being struck.
Arrest and Investigation
Hadden retreated into the stand and was identified and traced through CCTV enquiries. He was arrested and charged on March 24, two weeks after the game.
Detective Chief Inspector David Lamont said: "Hadden was involved in the serious disorder that unfolded at the end of this fixture. His reckless behaviour was completely unacceptable, and it was fortunate that the officer was able to avoid being struck by the bottle."
Sentencing and Official Statements
Lamont added: "This sentence demonstrates that those who engage in this type of disorder will be held accountable for their actions. Our investigation remains ongoing, and we are committed to identifying and tracing everyone involved."
Fraser Gibson, Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin, said: "The behaviour of Jordan Hadden contributed to serious disorder at a major sporting event. His actions were calculated to incite unrest and violence."
Gibson continued: "But he has now been brought to account for his actions and will serve a period of imprisonment and be subject to a substantial Football Banning Order. Football-related crime is a blight on Scotland’s communities. It will not be tolerated."
He added: "It should be understood that anyone who chooses to contribute to football-related disorder can expect to be held accountable by COPFS, Police Scotland and the courts."
