Man spat on police and shouted homophobic abuse at Rangers title party

A teenager who spat on a police officer after repeatedly abusing him with a homophobic slur at the Rangers title party has been told to expect a jail sentence.

Mathew Thomson launched spittle at PC Niall Donaldson at Glasgow city centre’s Hanover Street on May 15, 2021.

The 19-year-old had earlier made repeated homophobic remarks to officers as he tried to breach a police cordon.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday the first offender pled guilty to assaulting PC Donaldson.

Thomson, from the city centre, also admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

The court heard police had formed a cordon at Hanover Street due to “public safety.”

Prosecutor Alasdair Knox stated: “The officers were there due to the gathering in George Square emanating from Rangers winning the league

“Thomson approached officers from Ingram Street and attempted to push past the closed cordon.

“Officers told him the street was closed however Thomson continued to barge past them and thereafter began shouting ‘you are a f****t’ then repeated the remarks seconds later.”

Thomson was placed under arrest and PC Donaldson attempted to note his details from his driving licence.

Mr Knox said: “At this time, he spat at PC Donaldson and the spittle landed on the shoulder and arm area of his body.”

Thomson was taken to the ground by officers and handcuffed before being transported to a police station.

Michael Poggi, defending, told the court that due to the assault charge “the penalty is almost definitely going to be a custodial one”.

Sheriff Andrew Cubie agreed.

He then told Thomson: “I will continue your bail but you must not read into that, all sentencing options remain open.”

Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month.