Rangers fan jailed for attacking Celtic staff member during pitch invasion

A Rangers fan who attacked a Celtic staff member after invading the pitch at Ibrox has been jailed for 18 months.

Marc Spence, 48, grabbed first team masseur Allan Baird and pulled him to the ground on 8 March 2026.

Rangers were hosting Celtic in a Scottish Cup quarter final tie, which the visitors won on penalties after a goalless draw. A large number of fans from both clubs went on the pitch after the match ended.

Sheriff Owen Mullan told Spence his behaviour was appalling and that a custodial sentence was "merited."

Former SFA-accredited youth football coach Spence, of Lanark, South Lanarkshire, was seen by police officers invading the pitch from the south stand.

Prosecutor Abbas Ali said he ran in an aggressive manner towards the Celtic fans who had entered the pitch and Baird stood in his path, concerned Spence was running in the direction of the Celtic team.

Spence collided with Baird, grabbed him on the neck and pulled him to the ground.

Two police officers intervened and grabbed hold of Spence before they removed him from the pitch.

While he was being escorted away in handcuffs, Spence said: "I was trying to get past the guy - he stood in my way and I just took him out."

First offender Spence, a Bacardi warehouse operative, pleaded guilty last month to assaulting Baird as well as committing breach of the peace.

Darren Fleming, defending, told the sentencing Spence was not an instigator but accepted he made a conscious decision to get involved.

He said: "He witnessed fans of the opposition damaging seats in the stadium and felt that he could perhaps assist. In hindsight, he knows that it was a reckless decision."

It was also revealed Spence has been given a lifetime ban from Ibrox Stadium.

Sheriff Mullan said: "As an SFA-accredited youth football coach you will be aware of the standards of professionalism and responsibility expected at football. As a football fan you will know the standards expected.

"Your behaviour was appalling and witnessed in the stadium and on national television. There is little doubt that there were children who saw your actions across Scotland.

"Despite your plea of guilty and matters caught on CCTV, the author of your background report says you continue to minimise your behaviour and serious nature of the charges.

"I am told this is not the case [by Mr Fleming] and that you do accept the extent of your actions - I am willing to accept that is the case.

"What is noteworthy, is nowhere in the background report to you seek to expressly apologise to your victim."

Spence was also banned from football matches for seven-and-a-half years at the sentencing.