Aberdeen flare prompts football match ban warning

The incident happened before Aberdeen played East Fife

Football fans have been warned of match bans after a man admitted setting off a flare on his way to a game.

Stuart Bell, 19, of Leven, admitted culpable and reckless conduct in Aberdeen, before the game against East Fife at Pittodrie in January.

Bell was fined £400 and given a 15-month ban from SPL or SFL matches at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

Solicitor General Frank Mulholland QC, said: "Disorderly conduct at or on the way to matches will not be tolerated."

He said: "Setting off a flare was reckless and dangerous behaviour and causes alarm to others and spoils the enjoyment of genuine football fans.

"Any conduct of this nature will be investigated by the police and the perpetrators will be dealt with robustly by the prosecution service.

"If they plead or are found guilty, the Crown will advise the court of its power to impose Football Banning Orders for such offences."