Motherwell fan admits letting off smoke bomb at game

Feb 18 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A MOTHERWELL football fan caused havoc in the Hamilton stands last weekend after he set off a smoke bomb during a local derby match.

Eighteen-year-old Duncan McKinnon set off the device during the first half of Saturday’s stalemate between Hamilton Accies and Motherwell.

As smoke covered part of the away stand at New Douglas Park, spectators rushed to avoid the large plume, prompting safety fears among Hamilton officials.

The incident happened 25 minutes into Accies’ goalless draw against the Fir Park side, but it did not disrupt the play.

However, according to Accies club officials, one ’Well fan suffered a minor injury as a result.

At Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday, McKinnon – of Bruce Avenue, Motherwell – pleaded guilty to a charge of committing a breach of the peace by igniting the smoke bomb in the football ground.

Fiscal-depute Jackie Spiers told the court that a large plume of smoke was seen in the North Stand at about 3.25pm.

She continued: “Spectators were observed hurriedly moving away from the area to avoid the smoke.

“Afterwards, CCTV was reviewed.

“The accused was seen to be seated. He then pulled his jacket up over his nose and mouth.

“He was then observed lighting the smoke bomb and placing it at his feet.”

Ms Spiers added that stewards located and removed the accused before handing him over to the police.

When questioned, said the fiscal, McKinnon replied: “I’ll tell you everything. It was me.

“I was stupid.”

Defending, solicitor Nigel Scullion said he would reserve comment until a later court hearing.

Sheriff John Miller deferred sentence until March 15 for reports.

McKinnon – who has two previous convictions for breach of the peace – is also banned from attending any regulated football match in the UK until his next court appearance.

Sheriff Miller also indicated he would be considering a football banning order.

The Motherwell-daft yob boasts of his commitment to the club on his Bebo page, and is seen pictured with captain Stephen Craigan at a charity function.

McKinnon sponsored the away of shirt of former Motherwell player Steven McGarry.

Tom Purdie, operations manager at Hamilton Accies, said: “This guy has a stadium banning order pending and I hope the court comes down heavily on him.

“I expect a ban or similar punishment.

“I am told he already has a banning order at Fir Park.

“His actions were extremely reckless in an area as tight as that, and where there are steep stairs – it could have sparked a panic.

“It was good work by the people operating our CCTV cameras that we were able to track the supporter because he moved seats and then back again to try to evade capture.”

A Motherwell FC spokesman said this week: “We are currently in discussions with Strathclyde Police in relation to an arrest made at Saturday’s match with Hamilton Academical at New Douglas Park.

“However, until we are fully aware of all the facts it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

The spokesman added: “Nevertheless, Motherwell Football Club do not condone, in any way, shape or form, the use of any smoke device or flare at any football ground.”