Published: Wednesday, 16th December, 2009 5:07pm
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EXCLUSIVE - By Ewan McInnes
AN intoxicated soccer thug halted a football match when he ran onto the pitch, argued with an official and then punched him in the face.
George Noon, of Braeside Drive, Barrhead, invaded the game being played at Cowan Park, Aurs Road, shouted at several players, made threats and refused to leave the park, Paisley Sheriff Court heard yesterday.
The court was told that whilst arguing, an official placed his hands on Noon and the 22-year-old responded by punching the man.
Noon's lawyer, Terry Gallangh told the court how this case reminded him of the legendary Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough who was once publicly villified for placing his hands on two fans.
However, Mr Gallangh admitted there was no doubt his client's conduct was inappropriate and said Noon should have left the pitch when asked to do so.
Mr Gallangh suggested that the complainer, being someone involved in the match, might not have needed to place his hands on his client but nonetheless Noon did not need to punch the complainer.
It was revealed in court that Noon did not remember much about the assault because he was so intoxicated.
Noon pled guilty to conducting himself in a disorderly manner, walking on to the pitches at Cowan Park, Aurs Road, while a football match was taking place, shouting at players there, refusing to leave the pitch, uttering threats and breaching the peace, on April 5 last year.
He also admitted assaulting an official and punching him on the face to his injury.
The case was originally due to be heard at court in February this year but without reasonable excuse Noon failed to appear.
Noon dodged jail but was handed a two year probationary sentence with strict conditions.
These include the requirements that he must attend alcohol counselling, anger management and pay compensation of £300.
He has also been ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service and will spend the majority of his Christmas at home as he was placed on a two month Restriction of Liberty Order which will see him inside his home address from 9pm to 7am.
Sentencing, Sheriff Douglas said: "These are very rigourous terms you have to comply with, this is because a custodial sentence had been uppermost in my mind.
"You must comply or be prepared for the alternative."
East Renfrewshire Council, who own the pitches at Cowan Park, were aware of the incident involving Mr Noon.
A council spokesman told the Barrhead News they lease the pitches out to football teams not only in the town but from the surrounding areas.
He said: "The council utterly deplores attacks on anyone using our pitches whether they are players, officials or spectators as everyone deserves to be safe when using our facilities."
