Celtic fan denies singing pro-IRA chants

[ian1964 10,720]

A Celtic fan accused of singing a pro-IRA chant at a game is contesting the accusation on the grounds that of "relevancy".

 

Gary Moore allegedly chanted pro-terrorist slogans at the Glasgow clubâ??s match against Dundee United at Tannadice Stadium on November 4 last year.

 

The 36-year-old is accused of singing in support of a proscribed terrorist organisation which was likely to incite public disorder.

 

Moore, of Tanfield Street in Glasgowâ??s Springboig, was not present at Dundee Sheriff Court on Friday when the case under the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act called.

 

Andrew Sloane, defending, said: "We are taking a plea to the relevancy in this case. The song he is accused of singing should not be under this legislation. It wasn't a song related to a proscribed terrorist organisation."

 

Moore had been banned from attending matches after being charged in a previous hearing, but that sanction was lifted at the most recent calling of the case.

 

Mr Sloane added: "He is a 36-year-old man, an accountant, a father-of-three and a man of good character. He is a Celtic season ticket holder and has been since 1995. His ticket cost him £600 for this season."

 

Sheriff Richard Davidson continued the case to a hearing on the relevancy of the charges on February 20.

 

The SPL match finished 2-2 with Dundee United scoring twice late on to cancel out Celtic's goals from Miku and Tony Watt.

 

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