A dad has been banned from going to football matches after he punched an away fan at Celtic Park.

David Johnston, 44, was told the incident “could have caused significant disorder” when he appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court last week.

Celtic were playing Dundee United on the afternoon of January 29, 2022.

The prosecutor said: “Police officers were working at Celtic Park, as well as a witness who was a steward.

“The accused was observed by all witnesses to go over the segregation line, which was separating the away fans.

“He was encouraged over by the opposing fans. After crossing the line, he threw a punch, which struck an away fan to the head. As he did so, he was simultaneously pushed.”

Following this, cops put their hands on Johnston to remove him from the away fans, to prevent any more disorder.

He was escorted to the side and placed under arrest. He was cautioned and charged and made no reply.

His lawyer said: “There had been some enticement between opposing fans throughout the game. An opposing fan threw a bottle at his son.

“There is an agreement that he was encouraged over by the individual that threw the bottle, however, that is not an excuse for his behaviour. He was intoxicated at the time.

“He is a first-time offender and is in full-time employment in Belfast. This is entirely out of character.

“The report recommends a financial penalty. You may have concerns about his alcohol consumption however, he tells me he has not consumed any alcohol since January this year and has no intention of doing so.”

READ MORE: Thug attacked woman at Glasgow pharmacy for 'being a grass'

Sheriff Valerie Mays said: “Unusually because you have no previous convictions, I'm prepared to deal with this by fine despite it happening at a football match. This could have turned into something much worse.

“The report is positive. It does seem like something entirely out of character. There was a degree of [provocation].

"However, against that, it’s a serious matter because it happened at a football match. This could have caused significant disorder.”

Johnston, of Belfast, was fined £715 and made subject to a football banning order for 20 months.