A 34-year-old man, Andrew Watt, has been sentenced to eight months in prison for throwing a Buckfast bottle at Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo during the Old Firm derby on May 4. The incident occurred after Celtic scored an equalizer against Rangers, sparking a wave of anger among the Rangers supporters.

Incident Details

Watt, a Rangers supporter, initially threw a lit cigarette at Sinisalo before hurling the bottle towards him as the goalkeeper celebrated the goal. The bottle, which did not hit Sinisalo, was later handed over to the police by a Rangers substitute player. Watt was identified through CCTV footage due to his distinctive white teeth.

Court Proceedings

During the hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Sheriff Mark McGuire condemned Watt's actions, stating that they were not those of a true fan but of a 'vicious drunken hooligan.' McGuire emphasized the potential catastrophic consequences had the bottle struck Sinisalo, including possible career-ending injuries.

Previous Convictions

Watt has a history of football-related offenses, with 21 previous convictions, including two that led to jail time and football bans. His latest actions have resulted in a six-and-a-half-year ban from all football matches.

Drinking During the Match

The court also heard that Watt had been drinking alcohol both before and during the match, which likely contributed to his reckless behavior. His defense lawyer, Kevin Corr, acknowledged that Watt's actions were inappropriate for someone of his age and expressed no attempt to justify the incident.

Broader Implications

This incident underscores the ongoing issue of football-related violence, particularly in high-stakes matches like the Old Firm derby. Authorities continue to emphasize the need for stricter measures to ensure the safety of players and fans alike.