Nine face trial for attempted murder after Old Firm game

Nine people are to stand trial accused of the attempted murder of a man during a brawl after an Old Firm match.

The accusations also include the serious assault of two others during the disturbance in Glasgow’s Merchant City.

Kyle Beard, 25, Andrew Quinn, 26, James Quinn, 21, William Barclay, 28, Kahl Cullen, 23, Gemma Martin, 25, Jack Docherty, 28, Jamie Kinnaird, 26, and James Gemmell, 23, denied the charges at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday.

The incidents are said to have occurred between Albion Street and Blackfriars Street in Glasgow city centre last March 31.

The nine are said to have acted together in trying to kill Francis McCann.

The accusation includes claims Mr McCann was punched, stamped upon and stabbed in the neck with a knife.

It is also alleged he had cider poured over him and a bottle thrown at him.

All nine are separately charged with assaulting Scott Meehan and Lee Wylie to their severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of their lives.

Mr Meehan is said to have been punched, knocked to the ground and struck with a knife.

Mr Wylie meantime was allegedly punched, kicked and stabbed with a blade.

Mr Beard faces a charge of assaulting George Cullen to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement during a futher alleged knife attack.

The nine, all of Glasgow, are finally accused of behaving in a threatening and abusive manner by shouting and swearing at others.

Lawyers for the group along with prosecutor Murdoch MacTaggart said a trial could be set.

Lord Armstrong fixed a trial due to begin in July. The trial could last around 12 days.