Court case dismissed against Joseph Mulherron who was accused of spitting on Ibrox Stadium pitch

A man who was accused of recording himself entering Ibrox Stadium and spitting on the pitch has had his court case dismissed.

Joseph Mulherron, 51, denied conducting himself in a disorderly manner in May 2020.

It was claimed he climbed over a secure gate at the Glasgow stadium, discarded a flag and repeatedly spat on the pitch.

The breach of the peace charge stated Mulherron swore and uttered offensive remarks while recording the incident on an electronic device.

It was said the footage was uploaded to social media and the clip was made available for public viewing.

Mulherron was due to stand trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court, however prosecutor Paula Wedlock requested a further adjournment due to police issues with CCTV.

She stated that the Crown had not received a response from the police since the case last called in December 2021.

The motion to adjourn was opposed by Mulherron’s lawyer, Des Ziolo, who stated the same issue arose at the first calling of the case in December 2020.

He added: “This has been hanging over him since that date – it’s almost two-years-old.

“The Crown had the matter adjourned for this issue five months ago.

“I make a motion that this case be deserted.”

Sheriff Jonathan Guy agreed with Mr Ziolo and the matter was deserted.

He said: “There has been a single failing on the Crown and the police improperly investigating and prosecuting this matter.

“It is entirely unsatisfactory for the Crown to come to court on the circumstances explained to me.

“I make no blame to the depute today, but this matter has been hanging over Mr Mulherron’s head.

“The Crown want further time to address this issue which they were told about in December 2020.

“In my opinion, on the balance, I won’t grant the adjournment.”

Mulherron, of the city’s Govan, was also cleared of a separate allegation of breaching coronavirus regulations by leaving his place of residence without a reasonable excuse during lockdown.