By David Meikle

Copyright dailyrecord

Three Celtic fans who allowed fellow supporters into a stadium during a mass disturbance have been banned from attending football matches for two years. Mac Martin, 23, Sam Colquhoun, 22, and Padraig Doyle, 20, were all at Fir Park in Motherwell to watch their team in action. But before kick-off, they booted open a fire door which saw up to 15 fans avoid entering via the turnstiles. A police officer also suffered a slight injury after the door struck him in September 2023. Martin, of Bishopbriggs, Colquhoun, of Airdrie, and Doyle, of Glasgow, later handed themselves into police and were arrested. The trio appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitted breach of the peace. Sheriff John Speir banned them from attending matches anywhere in the UK for two years. They were also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and put under supervision for 18 months. Depute fiscal Scott O’Connor said: “All three entered the away stand at Fir Park and on entering the stadium, all three accused thereafter attempted to open a door where the ticket examiner was standing. On that not opening they then made their way to the fire door and kicked at the door causing it to open. Supporters then entered via the door and it was then closed. “The accused thereafter kicked the door again while PC James Maxwell was at the other side of the door and due to it opening he received a light strain on his hand. Supporters were encouraged to enter through the fire door and between 10 and 15 entered the stadium by that access while the accused ran to the concourse. Doors were then sealed closed by police officers while the accused were later identified and handed themselves into police.” Paul Kavanagh, defending Martin and Colquhoun, said: “It was a moment of crass stupidity on their part and saved them just a few minutes but it has now led to these men now having convictions.” Tony Linden, defending Doyle, said: “He has led a pro-social lifestyle, has an excellent work ethic and has an impressive desire to help the community through voluntary work.” Sheriff Speir told the trio: “All three of you are young men who on the whole seem to live pro-social lives and a lot can be said to your credit but you find yourselves in this court on a serious matter. There seems to me that nothing can be distinguished between all of you in terms of culpability so you will all be made subject to a community payback order.” The sheriff warned them a breach of the banning order could see them jailed. A further five men had not guilty pleas accepted by prosecutors. The Scottish Premiership game finished in a late 2-1 win for the Hoops at the Lanarkshire stadium.