Three Rangers supporters who attacked a Celtic fan outside Ibrox after an Old Firm match were jailed today for a total of three-and-a-half years. Ben Stanex, 24, Scott Dragsness, 55, and Andrew Graham, 21, assaulted Bruce Craik on March 8 2026, after Rangers hosted Celtic in a Scottish Cup tie which the visitors won on penalties.
Mr Craik was ushering fellow fans onto a supporters' bus when he was confronted by a rival mob including the trio. The group shouted a sectarian slur before Stanex punched Mr Craik, who fell to the ground, and then repeatedly stamped on his head. Dragsness and Graham then joined in and kicked Mr Craik to the body.
Victim left with brain injury
The stricken victim was left unconscious and was later found to have suffered a bleed to the brain. He also sustained injuries to the back of his head and swelling to his left eye. Mr Craik was rushed to hospital following the attack.
Stanex, Dragsness and Graham pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the assault to Mr Craik's severe injury and danger of life. The offence was aggravated by prejudice related to religion or perceived religious affiliation.
Sheriff hands down sentences
Sheriff Andrew McIntyre jailed Stanex and Graham for a period of one year each, while Dragsness received an 18-month sentence. All three were also given seven-year football banning orders.
The sheriff told them: "Violence and football related violence is a serious cause for concern in this city. The law recognises that it is all the worse when it is driven by prejudice related to religious or affiliation."
He added: "Each of you were involved in a concerned act of serious violence as part of a group to assault the victim after a football match. As part of the attack, he was punched and he fell to the ground and while on the ground the attack continued."
Details of the attack
Around 4.15pm, Mr Craik saw a group of Celtic fans being chased by Rangers supporters. He exited the bus to aid his fellow fans and usher them onto his supporters' bus. As he did this, he was confronted by the Rangers mob which included Stanex, Graham and Dragsness.
Prosecutor Lauren Aitchison told the court that the group shouted: "Fenian b******s." The fiscal depute added: "At this time, Stanex punched Mr Craik to the head which caused him to fall to the ground. This was seen by Dragsness and Graham."
"Stanex placed his hands on the bus and repeatedly stamped on the head of Mr Craik. Dragsness at this point kicked the body of Mr Craik and Graham then did the same."
Defence pleas and aftermath
The trio made off and jumped on Rangers fans coaches which were later pulled over by police. The thugs were picked out at the time and arrested. Horrific CCTV of the incident had been played to the court.
Michael Anderson KC, defending Stanex, told the sentencing that alcohol played a part in his offending. Mr Anderson added: "He described that what happened from his point of view was 10 seconds of madness. This was entirely out of character in relation to him. He is very sorry to everyone involved in this and what has happened to the victim."
Thomas Ross KC, defending Dragsness, also stated that the offence was "out of character" for his client. Mr Ross said: "We are dealing with seconds of madness against a substantial period of around 40 years where he has done nothing other than work and care for his family."
Graeme Brown KC, defending Graham, told the court that the offence was not pre-planned or pre-meditated. He said: "There was no intention from him to cause serious harm. We know his involvement was limited to one kick and accepts that he has been involved in an art and part basis - I do not shy away from that. He has to accept that the one kick was to someone on the ground."
