Paul Tansey, the 40-year-old brother of former Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths, was sent off after storming into the home end to confront a fan during Saturday's Scottish Cup preliminary-round tie between Penicuik Athletic and Hawick Royal Albert at Montgomery Park in Penicuik.
Tansey, who plays for Hawick Royal Albert, had been substituted with minutes of normal time remaining. He initially headed toward the away dugout before removing his shirt and making his way toward the home end. A video shows Tansey raging as he vaults a wall and marches up the stairs to confront a supporter, who brushes him off and laughs in his face. Two members of staff then pulled the former Penicuik Athletic player away.
Red card after fan clash
Back at pitchside, Tansey was shown a red card. It is believed the spectator had made a personal comment toward him just as he was substituted, having goaded him throughout the match.
The former East Fife player has spent most of his career in Scotland's semi-professional ranks, with spells at Musselburgh Athletic, Dalkeith and Whitehill Welfare. He joined Hawick Royal Albert 18 months ago and has established himself as a key member of the East of Scotland League club's squad.
Previous conviction
Four years ago, Tansey was convicted of domestic abuse after being found guilty of attacking partner Lisa Robertson between 2020 and 2021. Hawick Royal Albert boss Kenny Aitchison described the incident as unacceptable and said the club would deal with it internally. Aitchison added that the incident was "out of character" for Tansey, but said the club could not comment further.
Tansey is the brother of Leigh Griffiths, the former Scotland international who has spent the past three years playing in Australia.
Penicuik Athletic won the tie in extra time, with Daryl Healy scoring the winner.
