Two Dublin soccer fans arrested by Scottish police after allegedly causing a disturbance outside the home of football referee, Hugh Dallas, were set free yesterday. The two Irish fans and one Scotsman were charged with causing a breach of the peace near to Dallas's home on Monday night after Sunday's explosive Celtic-Rangers match at Parkhead.
They were arrested and held in custody overnight at Motherwell police station. The men were expected to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court yesterday but in an unusual move the procurator fiscal at Hamilton released them.
The Dublin men will each receive a copy of the charge by post. They will then be called to appear at the court to stand trial for allegedly committing a breach of the peace outside Dallas's home in the exclusive Dalziel Park Estate, near Carfin, Lanarkshire.
Meanwhile, Celtic players Stephane Mahe and Vidar Riseth are facing stern disciplinary action from the club after being sent off against Rangers.
Parkhead chief executive Alan MacDonald is furious at incidents both on and off the field, which are to be the subject of a joint inquiry by the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Premier League.
McDonald said: "In respect of our paid professionals you can have total confidence that I will be working with Jozef Venglos and Eric Black to ensure that all appropriate action is taken.
"The players have to recognise their responsibilities to the supporters, their team-mates, the club, the media and the general public. The price of fame is responsibility. Celtic will not accept anything less than the highest standards."
The Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football Association are ready to move forward the final Celtic and Rangers clash of the season to prevent it ever again determining the championship.
Early May is the established date of the fixture but it now seems likely that the last Glasgow Derby of the calendar will be in mid-April at the latest.
Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper is preparing to commit his future to the club after putting real pressure on Shay Given for the FA Cup final.
Harper, who took Given's place for last Saturday's Derby clash with Middlesbrough, has been offered a new three-year deal after impressing manager Ruud Gullit.
West Ham manager Harry Redknapp is set to fine Ian Wright for the outburst which left the door of referee Rob Harris's dressing-room damaged on Saturday.
Blackburn owner Jack Walker has pledged support for manager Brian Kidd - even if Rovers lose their fight for Premiership status. Walker said: "Brian was my choice as manager and the unanimous choice of the board."
