Rangers pitch invader banned from football grounds

A hospital worker accused of invading a football pitch and shouting sectarian abuse at fans was today banned from every football ground in Britain.

Sean Gallagher, 21, appeared in court accused of running on to the pitch during last night's UEFA Cup tie between Rangers and Israeli side Maccabi Haifa.

He was allegedly wearing a Palestinian flag around his shoulders and a T-shirt with a picture of the Pope.

It is also alleged he shouted sectarian slogans at Rangers fans, causing anger among the crowd.

Gallagher, of Carnarvon Street, Glasgow, who works as an administrator at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.

He was accused of breach of the peace, aggravated by racial and religious prejudice and of resisting arrest.

Gallagher denied both charges and was given bail until a further hearing in February next year.

Procurator fiscal depute Issma Sultan said Gallagher's alleged action had sparked significant disruption among the crowd at last night's match.

She said: "This was an alleged breach of the peace at a football match screened live on television.

"The alleged incident caused significant disruption in that many of the crowd responded as he was being escorted away."

Defence lawyer Ross Yuill said: "There's a political background in relation to this matter as opposed to a football-related background.

"This is not related to football."

Sheriff Bill Totten agreed to release Gallagher on bail, on the condition he does not attend any football match in the UK until his next court appearance.

He will next appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court for an intermediate hearing on February 23 next year.