SNS GroupA martial artist has admitted his involvement in a mass brawl between Aberdeen and Hibernian supporters.
Liam Bowler, 30, threw a pint glass at opposition fans in Glasgow city centre on November 4, 2023.
Bowler’s team, Aberdeen, were due to face off against Hibernian later that day in a Scottish Cup semi-final.
Bowler – who has participated in Muay Thai events – was among a group of fellow supporters who were wearing face coverings.
The Aberdeen group walked down Hope Street, where they met their Hibernian counterparts at the junction with Argyle Street.
Prosecutor Charlotte Watret told Glasgow Sheriff Court: “Punches and kicks were mainly thrown from both sets of fans.
“A large-scale disturbance ensued between the two groups, which resulted in members of the public running away to avoid the area.
“Upon the fight starting, Bowler, who was at the back of the Aberdeen group, made his way through with a pint glass.
“Upon reaching the front, he threw the pint glass at the opposition supporters, shouted and held his arms up, gesturing at them.”
The fiscal depute added that the Bowler’s “aggressive behaviour” continued as he advanced towards the Hibernian fans.
Ms Watret said: “He was throwing punches and gesturing at them to advance and challenging them to fight.
“The disturbance lasted between one and one-and-a-half minutes at which point both groups moved off in different directions.”
Bowler, who was not masked, was later identified by police following a CCTV trawl.
Bowler pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.
His co-accuseds Kyle Hay, 27, Finlay Slessor, 20, and Jack Sylvester, 28, had their not guilty pleas accepted by the Crown.
Liam McAllister, defending, told the court that the fight was not pre-planned and Bowler had not intended on being involved in trouble.
It was stated that Bowler, of Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, intends to move to the Philippines for work, where his father already resides.
The sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Sheriff Bernard Ablett, who granted Bowler bail.
The sheriff told him: “This was a significant disturbance in Glasgow city centre.”
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