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    Ex-Celtic star Anthony Stokes JAILED for ‘chilling’ behaviour that left ex-partner fearing for her safety

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    FUGITIVE footballer Anthony Stokes has been jailed for five months after breaching strict court orders against contacting his ex-girlfriend and her family.The ex-Celtic and Hibs striker, 35, repeatedly messaged Eilidh Scott and her parents in defiance of a ban.Anthony Stokes has been jailed for five monthsCredit: Les GallagherStokes starred for Celtic between 2010 and 2016Credit: Kenneth Ramsay (Photography) Limited,Trochrague,78 Newark Street,Greenock PA16 7TFEilidh Scott was hounded via email and text by StokesCredit: Instagram/@eilidhscottStokes appeared from custody in handcuffs at Hamilton Sheriff Court after causing repeated delays to the case.Sheriff Colin Dunipace ordered Stokes, of Dublin, to be locked up and blasted him for his conduct towards his former partner.He was also banned from contacting Scott for five years and her parents for a year.Stokes flew from Dublin to Scotland last month and handed himself into Motherwell police station.He claimed he had failed to return to Scotland to face sentencing after becoming ‘distracted’ by court proceedings against him in the Republic of Ireland.Depute fiscal Fergus Warner told the court: “The accused sent numerous emails, 14 in total, to the complainer Eilidh Scott accusing her of being unfaithful and questioning her ability as a mother.”The accused also posted statuses on his social media profiles referencing her cheating on him.”Jim O’Dowd, defending, said: “Since he has been remanded there has been quite a sea change in his attitude towards the offences.Most read in Football”He clearly now realises the difficulty and upset that has behaviour has caused his victims.Ex-Celtic star Anthony Stokes living it up on holiday with glamorous Wag while on the run from Scottish police”He has been in Addiewell since last month and it has been a particularly unpleasant experience for him because people know who he is and he has had quite a hard time.”He was kept behind his door for 23 hours per day and this has led to him now understanding how serious these matters are.”He advises me he would comply with any community order but knows custody will be uppermost in the court’s mind.”Sheriff Dunipace said: “It is extremely disappointing for this court to see someone like you, who is clearly a man of some talent and ability, who has so much to give and who has no doubt brought joy to many, to now find yourself in this situation and I find it extremely tragic.”It is apparent that your former partner fears for her safety and the statements offered by her to this court are little short of chilling.”You should be under no illusion that the duty of this court is to protect women from this sort of behaviour.”You were advised when you were sentenced to a community payback order that it was a direct alternative to custody and yet you have failed to comply.”I can have no confidence that you would abide by the terms of a further community order.”In 2019, Stokes admitted bombarding Scott with a string of abusive messages on WhatsApp and email.He labelled her a ‘s**t’, a ‘s**’ and a ‘w***e’, turned up at her home in Shotts, Lanarkshire, late at night and demanded to know her whereabouts.The campaign of abuse lasted between July 2018 and February 2019.Stokes was handed a four-year non-harassment order against Scott and her parents in September 2019 and later placed on an anti-domestic abuse programme.An arrest warrant was first taken for him in 2021 after he failed to appear to be sentenced over the charges.Hours after it was taken, the brazen striker posted a selfie on social media with the caption: “Any bad news?”In July 2022, he was arrested in Northern Ireland and appeared in court via video link.He was granted bail but again failed to appear and another warrant was issued before a third was taken in October last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt has been revealed that Stokes was locked up in his cell for 23 hours a day over fears for his safety.The Irishman also played for Hibs, Falkirk and SunderlandCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun GlasgowKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      Ex-Celtic & Rangers starlet Ciaran Dickson downed pints of high-strength VENOM before mowing down teen at 70mph

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      A FORMER Celtic and Rangers starlet downed pints of high-strength VENOM on a boozy pub crawl before mowing down a teenager in a horror hit-and-run.Ciaran Dickson, 22, fatally hit Aidan Pilkington, 18, in the Anniesland area of Glasgow before fleeing the scene on foot on September 11, 2021.
      Ciaran Dickson pled guilty to causing death by dangerous drivingCredit: Spindrift
      The footie starlet killed teenager Aidan PilkingtonCredit: PA
      Map of Dickson’s locations before fatal crash
      Dickson pled guilty today at the High Court in Glasgow to causing death by dangerous driving after Aidan suffered significant head injuries which he succumbed to later in hospital.
      The ex-Celtic B team player raced down the road at a speed between 64 and 71mph while three times over the limit when he struck Aidan.
      In court it emerged the footie youngster consumed several drinks – including the potent cocktail called Venom – before getting behind the wheel and killing his teenage victim.
      The former Rangers youth player was on a boozy night out with a friend and drank a pint of lager and a bottle of Corona at the Duck Bay Marina in Loch Lomond.

      He then got behind the wheel and drove to a pool club in Glasgow city centre.
      CCTV showed that Dickson then consumed a further two pints of lager before driving to The Black Horse bar.
      While he was there, he downed three pints of the strong cocktail venom – which was topped up with an extra measure of vodka.
      The Venom cocktail is popular with young party-goers and pub revellers due to its high alcohol content. It is made by mixing vodka, Southern Comfort and orange juice, before adding in a blue WKD to create a bright green colour.
      Most read in Football
      Aidan was on a night out with school friends at the time and left the bar at around 11.30pm.
      He was heading to a friend’s house when Dickson hit him on Crow Raod at around midnight.
      Dickson, now of Erskine, Renfrewshire, then dragged Aidan along the ground, causing significant head injuries.
      Dickson, who was employed by Celtic’s B team at the time of the offence, then fled the scene at around 50 to 70 miles per hour.
      He then abandoned his rented Mercedes car and ran 178 metres back to his home – which was discovered by police who seized his fitness watch.
      Aidan’s friend Ben Smith recalled seeing a vehicle a “distance away” and believed there was enough time to cross the road. Aidan followed behind him.
      Prosecutor John Keenan KC said: “Mr Smith was walking within the two lanes when he realised the car was getting closer, faster than he expected.
      “He could not estimate the speed of the vehicle, but it caused him to ‘quicken up’.
      “He was halfway into the lane when he turned around to see if Aidan was following.
      “He observed that Aidan was halfway into the nearside lane of the road.”
      Mr Smith stated that a white car struck Aidan, who was about to start university, when he was positioned between the two lanes.
      He added that he did not remember Aidan being run over by the car but to “have travelled for around 10 to 15 metres with the car.”
      Other witnesses described hearing a loud bang and a thud as well as seeing Aidan on the ground.
      He was noted to be unconscious with blood coming from his mouth and ears.
      Aidan was also found to have an exposed fractured skull, very shallow breathing and CPR was carried out at the scene by medics.
      Aidan was taken to hospital where he remained unresponsive and was tragically pronounced dead at 1.55am.
      Police noticed the damage that was done to the Mercedes – including a missing badge.
      Dickson handed himself into police the next day and he was released pending and investigation.
      He gave a no comment interview to officers in February 2022 and on June he was finally arrested.
      A post-mortem examination was carried out which revealed major external injuries to Aidan’s head and trunk.
      Aidan suffered bruising and wounds to his forehead, scalp, eye and cheek.
      There was also a full-thickness wound to the back of his head surrounded by bruising.
      Mr Keenan added: “Pathologists considered that the injuries to the front and back of the head were consistent with a run over or dragging type scenario.”
      Further injuries included to the abdomen and pelvis as well as a number of rib fractures.
      An internal examination revealed a large skull fracture which was associated with a small amount of bleeding on the surface of the brain.
      Pathologists considered that a brain injury might be responsible for the “very rapid death.”
      Mr Keenan said: “The major cause of death is considered to be severe head injury which is consistent with being sustained as a result of road traffic collision.”
      It was also suggested that Aidan was not standing at the time of the collision. It is not known if he slipped or fell.
      Thomas Ross KC, defending, said: “Nothing said by Ciaran Dickson can offer comfort to Aidan’s family and friends.
      “He recognises that he is fully deserving of a sentence of imprisonment.”
      Dickson’s previous convictions include careless driving from December 2020 when he was hit with three penalty points.
      He was also convicted of a domestic pattern in April 2023 when he was ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Dickson – who was tipped for first-team football – was released by Celtic having scored two goals in his first two appearances for the B team.
      Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Judge Lord Colbeck who remanded Dickson in custody meantime.
      He played for Celtic’s B team at the time of the offenceCredit: SNS
      He played for Rangers before joining CelticCredit: The Sun More

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      Teenage girl ‘sexually assaulted’ during Rangers fans’ pyro mayhem at Dundee shame game

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      COPS are probing claims a teen girl was the victim of a sickening sex attack at the pyro-hit Dundee v Rangers game, we can reveal.Officers were alerted after the 13-year-old was allegedly targeted at Dens Park when Gers fans ignited dozens of flares at Wednesday night’s fixture.
      Cops are probing claims a teen girl was the victim of a sex attack at the pyro-hit Dundee v Rangers gameCredit: Willie Vass
      The display caused the match to be suspended for 18 minutesCredit: Steve Welsh/PA Wire
      It’s understood the alleged incident happened in the Bob Shankly Stand where yobs sparked fury with a ‘wall-of-fire’ display.
      Referee Kevin Clancy was forced to halt play for 18 minutes as smoke engulfed the away end during Gers’ 5-0 win over Dundee.
      And cops have now confirmed a probe has been launched into a claims of an alleged sexual assault on a child.
      A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are carrying out enquiries following an allegation of sexual assault involving a 13-year-old girl which happened at Dens Park in Dundee on Wednesday.”

      A spokesman for the Dens Park club added: “Dundee FC can confirm we are aware of an incident which took place in the Bob Shankly stand during Wednesday’s match against Rangers.
      “The club are fully supporting the police investigation and the club’s child welfare and protection officer is supporting the situation.
      “As this is an ongoing police investigation the club will be making no further comment.”
      We told how SPFL chiefs blasted the Rangers pyro louts – as cops warned it’s a matter of time before a fan is seriously hurt.
      Most read in Football
      The chaotic scenes triggered fire alarms and ramped up worries the stand could catch fire as around 70 flares were ignited by a travelling support.
      Later this month the Scottish Government, Police Scotland and the Football Safety Officers’ Association will meet to discuss the increasing prevalence of flares.
      Yesterday at a press conference, Rangers boss Philippe Clement said: “The pyro we don’t need. It doesn’t give something extra. It is dangerous.”
      In a statement issued after Wednesday’s clash, an SPFL spokesman said the growing use of pyros was “concerning and unwelcome”.
      Police Scotland Superintendent Iain Wales added: “Taking pyrotechnics into a football stadium is not only an offence, it is extremely dangerous.”
      A Dundee spokesperson branded the scenes “unacceptable” and added: “Despite robust practice by all clubs in the SPFL and the SFA at Hampden, flares, offensive banners and singing of sectarian songs continue to be a problem all across our game in Scottish football.
      “As we are working with the authorities we are unable to comment on the situation at this time.
      “The club will comment further once the ongoing investigation has taken place and concluded.”
      Police instruct referee Kevin Clancy to take players off field after the displayCredit: WILLIE VASS
      We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at scoop@thesun.co.uk or call 0141 420 5200 More

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      Brit footballer ‘carried out sex attack on sleeping woman then went to training’, court hears

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      A SCOTS footballer went to training after an alleged sex attack on a sleeping woman.Salim Kouider-Aïssa, 27, is claimed to have inappropriately touched the 23-year-old at a flat in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, on October 31 2021.
      Salim Kouider-Aissa in action for AirdrieCredit: SNS
      The star in action for Partick ThistleCredit: The Sun
      The woman said she went to a spare bedroom alone and was “shocked” to wake up to the Airdrie forward with hands on her.
      Kouider-Aïssa told a jury that he initially went in the same bed to have a “good sleep.”
      He added that he believed the woman was awake and consenting before carrying out a sex act on her.
      Kouider-Aïssa, also of Kirkintilloch, denies the single charge of sexual assault at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

      The court heard Kouider-Aïssa played for Airdrie at Alloa that day – picking up an injury.
      He initially went home to Kirkintilloch before picking up friends in Glasgow’s west end.
      The footballer drove the men to friend Scott Spinelli’s flat where they drank and listened to music.
      The alleged victim and another woman later joined the men at the flat.
      Most read in Football
      Jurors were told that the woman went to Mr Spinelli’s spare bed.
      The court heard Kouider-Aïssa was told by Mr Spinelli to stay in the living room.
      The woman said: “I woke up and I could feel someone behind me, that’s when I realised what he was doing.”
      She described that Kouider-Aïssa intimately touched her.
      She added: “I woke up really shocked, I went into bed myself and was shocked to have someone behind me.
      “I was shouting ‘what are you doing’ and he said ‘I thought you were awake, what have I done’.
      “I didn’t really know what to do, he went to get my friends for me.
      “They came rushing in…he told them that he thought I was awake.
      “It wouldn’t matter if I was as there was no consent.”
      Kouider-Aïssa stated in his evidence that he had difficulty sleeping on the couch.
      He said his reason for entering the bed beside the woman was to “get a good sleep.”
      Kouider-Aïssa claimed that the woman brushed his legs and put her leg over his, before he stroked her leg.
      He said: “I was questioning myself if she was awake.”
      Kouider-Aïssa stated the woman turned his back to him before spooning her then kissed her on the neck.
      He added that he went on to carry out a sex act on her stating: “I had belief she was consenting by the way she was moving about the bed, moving her body to me.”
      Kouider-Aïssa stated after the woman woke up and confronted him, he told Mr Spinelli: “I’ve f***ed it, I thought she was awake.”
      Kouider-Aïssa claimed he waited in his car before contacting teammate Max Currie.
      He said: “It was about 8am and Max came and picked me up and we went to get changed (at his flat) for physio.
      “I went to training, it was a Sunday, the football was on so I went to my uncle’s house to watch football.”
      Kouider-Aïssa handed himself into the police that night.
      Mr Allan said “You entered the bedroom of a stranger while she was sleeping?”
      He replied: “Yes.”
      Mr Allan asked what steps Kouider-Aïssa took to check that getting into bed was okay with the woman.
      He replied: “None.”
      Mr Allan said: “There is one easy way to make sure she was awake isn’t there?”
      Kouider-Aïssa: “I suppose so.”
      Mr Allan: “You didn’t ask her if she was awake during any of this?”
      Kouider-Aïssa: “No.”
      Kouider-Aïssa stated that he believes the woman was asleep after hearing the woman’s position at court.
      He later said: “There obviously has to be doubts, to this day, it’s been a while since… I still have a reasonable belief that she was awake for the last part and giving consent as well as that’s obviously why we are here.”

      The trial continues tomorrow before Sheriff Matthew Jackson KC.
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      Ex-Arsenal star Anthony Stokes, 34, hunted by cops after he failed to appear in court for sentencing for stalking ex

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      FORMER Arsenal star Anthony Stokes is being hunted by police after he failed to appear in court for sentencing. The striker, 34, was expected at Hamilton Sheriff Court today after admitting stalking his ex-girlfriend Eilidh Scott.
      A warrant has been issued for Anthony Stokes after he failed to show up to sentencingCredit: Pressteam
      The ex-Arsenal striker admitted stalking his ex-girlfriendCredit: Sportsfile
      Stokes bombarded ex-girlfriend Eilidh Scott with hundreds of messagesCredit: Instagram/@eilidhscott
      But the court heard Stokes had not responded to calls from social workers trying to create a background report on him.
      A warrant for the arrest of the ex-Celtic and Hibs forward was then ordered by Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen following the brief hearing.
      He explained: “These are post-conviction cases. He hasn’t been responding to calls from social work and I will grant a warrant.”
      Stokes bombarded his ex-partner Ms Scott with abusive text messages, seeing him send 100 texts a day on WhatsApp and email.
      Read More on Football
      He labelled her a “s**t”, a “s**” and a “w***e”, turned up at her home in Shotts, Lanarkshire, late at night and demanded to know her whereabouts.
      The campaign of abuse lasted between July 2018 and February 2019.
      The 34-year-old, of Glasgow, was banned from contacting her and her mother for four years in 2019 after he admitted stalking.
      Stokes was nicked by cops in Northern Ireland, who were assisting police in Scotland, back in July and placed on a flight to Dundee.
      Most read in The Sun
      His sentencing was deferred at the time on the condition of good behaviour, but he was ordered to appear back in court last month.
      However, Stokes missed the sentencing hearing after testing positive for Covid-19, seeing it be rescheduled for today.
      Police are now hunting for the footie ace after he failed to show up.
      Ordering a warrant for his arrest in June last year, Sheriff Allan McKay said: “He pled guilty and was released on bail and he has now left the country in breach of bail.
      “He is not here in breach of his bail conditions and I’m not at all sure that he will come back unless required to do so by some sort of authority so to do that I’m issuing a warrant for his arrest.”
      Hours after the warrant was announced, Stokes posted a selfie on social media with the caption: “Any bad news?”
      And over the festive season he posted snaps of himself posing in a bar while wearing Adidas Yeezy trainers and later posted a photo showing an expensive Rolex watch.
      Stokes won seven trophies in six seasons at Celtic and scored twice in Hibs’ 3-2 Scottish Cup win over Rangers in 2016.
      Read More on The Sun
      He has also had spells with Falkirk, Sunderland and Iranian outfit Tractor but is currently without a club.
      The 34-year-old was capped internationally for Ireland nine times during his career.
      Stokes terrifyingly turned up at Ms Scott’s home and harassed herCredit: Instagram/@eilidhscott
      The 34-year-old former Celtic star is now being hunted by cops againCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-Celtic star Anthony Stokes being hunted by cops again as warrant issued

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      FORMER Celtic striker Anthony Stokes is being hunted by police after failing to appear in court.The 34-year old footballer had been due for sentencing at Hamilton Sheriff Court for bombarding his ex-girlfriend Eilidh Scott with offensive text messages.
      Ex-Celtic star Stokes was due to appear at court today but failed to show upCredit: PA:Press Association
      Stokes was nicked in Northern Ireland and brought back to Scotland in JulyCredit: Mark Ferguson
      But the court heard that the former Celtic and Hibs star had not responded to calls from social workers trying to create a background report on him.
      Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen ordered a warrant for his arrest following a brief hearing.
      He said: “These are post-conviction cases.
      “He hasn’t been responding to calls from social work and I will grant a warrant.”
      Stokes had been arrested by police in Northern Ireland, who were assisting police in Scotland, and placed on a flight from Belfast to Dundee Airport in July.
      He missed another sentencing hearing last month after testing positive for Covid-19 and had been ordered to appear back in court today.
      In 2019, Stokes admitted a stalking campaign where he bombarded Miss Scott with a string of abusive messages that saw him send 100 texts a day on WhatsApp and email.
      He labelled her a ‘s**t’, a ‘s**’ and a ‘w***e’, turned up at her home in Shotts, Lanarkshire, late at night and demanded to know her whereabouts.
      Most read in Football
      The campaign of abuse lasted between July 2018 and February 2019.
      Ordering a warrant for his arrest in June last year, Sheriff Allan McKay said: “He pled guilty and was released on bail and he has now left the country in breach of bail.
      “He is not here in breach of his bail conditions and I’m not at all sure that he will come back unless required to do so by some sort of authority so to do that I’m issuing a warrant for his arrest.”
      Hours after the warrant was taken, Stokes posted a selfie on social media with the caption: “Any bad news?”
      And over the festive season he posted snaps of himself posing in a bar while wearing Adidas Yeezy trainers and later posted a photo showing an expensive Rolex watch.
      Stokes won seven trophies in six seasons at Parkhead and scored twice in Hibs’ 3-2 Scottish Cup win over Rangers in 2016.
      He has also had spells with Falkirk, Sunderland and Iranian outfit Tractor but is currently without a club.
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      Rangers say club is facing ‘trial by social media’ over alleged sectarian singing video as cops probe title party clip

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      RANGERS bosses have claimed the club is facing “trial by social media” — as they questioned a title party video allegedly showing sectarian singing.The Ibrox hierarchy hit back after cops launched a probe and Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf demanded any player or staff member found guilty of bigoted chants to be sacked.
      The clip is believed to have been filmed on Saturday
      Officials said it was “deeply concerning” that the footage shared online had been accepted as “genuine”.
      It came as the fallout from Gers fans’ shameful championship celebrations continued — with SFA blazers branding the scenes an “embarrassment to the national game”.
      In a club statement today, Rangers said of the clip: “It is evident that this video was shared with an adjoining narrative which attempts to discredit our players and the reputation of Rangers Football Club.
      “This highlights the dangers of ‘trial by social media’.
      “It is deeply concerning that this video has been taken as genuine and has been shared widely including by some political representatives who should be mindful of their influence and legal processes.
      Club Statement:— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 17, 2021

      “Our squad is richly diverse. Sectarianism is unacceptable and has no place in our club which is underlined by our Everyone Anyone campaign.
      “We are confident that no criminality took place, we have sought legal advice and look forward to cooperating with Police Scotland.”
      The footage is thought to have been filmed on Saturday evening as the Gers squad celebrated lifting the Premiership trophy after their 4-0 win over Aberdeen at Ibrox.
      Players can be seen dancing around in the clip, which allegedly includes chants of “f*** the Pope”.
      It is understood the club believes the video — which first appeared on TikTok before being shared on Twitter and other sites — has been doctored. Investigators are now studying the footage.
      The Rangers players celebraitng their 55th title successCredit: Getty
      A source said: “It can’t immediately be dismissed as faked.”
      Mr Yousaf earlier said it was “right” that police “determine the facts” around the video.
      The Nats minister wrote on Twitter: “If  this clip is genuine then any player or staff member found to be guilty of anti-Catholic hatred should be shown the door by the club.”
      A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media apparently showing Rangers pl­ayers using sectarian language while celebrating on Saturday.
      “We are assessing its contents and will liaise with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Se­rvice as part of our inquiries.”
      Meanwhile, SFA president Rod Petrie slammed Bears supporters who brawled with each other and attacked cops during their lockdown-flouting street party in central Glasgow.

      GERS PROBE Rangers players probed by cops over ‘sectarian’ video appearing to show ‘f*** the pope’ chant

      He branded it an “abomination not a celebration”.
      Mr Petrie added: “The scenes witnessed in and around Glasgow’s George Square have brought embarrassment to the national game.
      “Those responsible for sectarian singing, vandalism and inflicting physical damage may attach themselves to football but cannot be considered fans.”
      We told how five officers were injured, with one rushed to hospital with horror face wounds after being bottled.
      Some 15,000 punters laid siege to the city centre despite pleas from the authorities.
      Riot police were ambushed and beer gardens were closed amid safety fears. Yobs attacked cops with fencing and traffic cones used as missiles.  A total of 28 arrests were made.

      Streets remained stained with urine and booze today following the title bash.
      Shards of glass could still be seen wedged in the turfed sections of George Square.
      Deputy First Minister John Swinney called the rampage “absolutely reprehensible”.
      He added: “There was absolutely no need for them to gather and the warnings were given very clearly. Then some went on to behave in a loutish and thuggish fashion in George Square, devastating property, circulating and expressing vile anti-Catholic bigotry.”
      Rangers today blamed a “small minority” of people.
      A statement said: “Some of the scenes were unacceptable and have besmirched the good name of Rangers Football Club.
      “These so-called ‘fans’ should reflect upon the values and ethos of our club.
      “We will continue to engage with authorities as required.”
      rebecca.gray@the-sun.co.uk

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      Ex-Arsenal star Anthony Stokes placed on anti-domestic abuse course after admitting harassing former girlfriend

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      FORMER Arsenal and Celtic star Anthony Stokes has been ordered to complete an anti-domestic abuse course.
      The striker, 32, has been put on the ‘Caledonian Programme’ after he admitted harassing his former girlfriend Eilidh Scott.

      Anthony Stokes was told he must complete the programme or risk a jail sentenceCredit: Tom Farmer – The Scottish Sun

      Stokes, of Glasgow, was back in the dock after he had earlier been ordered to be of good behaviour for eight months.
      The case at Hamilton Sheriff Court was previously due to call last May but has been hit by a string of delays because of the pandemic.
      Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen has now placed Stokes under supervision for two years, which requires him to take part in the course.
      But he warned the Irishman failure to complete the programme could see him put behind bars.

      When asked directly by the sheriff if he would comply with the order, Stokes replied: “Yes.”
      Michael Gallen, defending, said: “He is suitable for the Caledonian Programme and if that is what is in mind then he will agree to it.

      Stokes’ only first-team Arsenal appearance came in October 2005 after coming through the academyCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “He has followed the non-harassment order and there have been no convictions between the date of deferral back in September 2019 to now.
      “Having ordered him to be of good behaviour since I submit an order for supervision and the programme requirement may be sufficient to deal with this matter.”

      Sheriff MacFadyen said: “The most recent report in this case indicates there is still work for you to do to address your offending behaviour and what it was that led you to behave that way towards your former partner.

      “I have in mind to place you, as a direct alternative to custody with this being a serious charge, on a community payback order for two years.
      “You will be under supervision of the social work department and there is a requirement that you attend the Caledonian Programme which is designed for men guilty of this sort of offending.
      “Failure to comply with the order will be reported back to the court and if it amounts to a breach then all sentencing options will be open to the court up to and including custody.”

      He joined Livingston last summer but left just three weeks laterCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
      Stokes spent four years on Arsenal’s books as he came through the academy and made one first-team appearance, in a 3-0 win over Sunderland in the League Cup in October 2005.
      But it was north of the border where he enjoyed the most success, winning seven trophies in six seasons at Celtic and netting twice in Hibs’ 3-2 Scottish Cup win over Rangers in 2016.
      The nine-cap Irish forward most recently joined Livingston in 2020 but left just three weeks later without making an appearance.

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      Car deliberately torched at home of Rangers ace Allan McGregor with flames 6ft in air outside plush pad in wealthy area

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      COPS are probing a deliberate car blaze attack at the home of Rangers star Allan McGregor.
      Emergency services were called to the goalkeeper’s plush pad on the outskirts of Glasgow on Thursday after a 999 alert was raised.

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      A car was deliberately torched at Allan McGregor’s home

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      Police are probing the fireball attack at the Rangers ace’s plush padCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
      The fireball incident was caught on video that showed flames leaping 6ft into the air.
      A source said: “It was incredible, one of the cars sitting in the drive was fully alight, it was causing a huge commotion in what is normally a very quiet road.
      “The homes around here are very expensive and it’s scary to think what could have happened, the flames were very close to the house.
      “It’s terrifying to think that someone caused this deliberately, why would someone set fire to a car like that?”

      The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said they were alerted to the blaze and sent three appliances to tackle the inferno.
      In January a man was charged in connection with an incident involving Rangers player Alfredo Morelos’ car.
      Police arrested and charged the 29-year-old with an alleged breach of the peace.
      This followed the vehicle being removed for examination after “reports of a man allegedly tampering” with it in a secured car park in Glasgow.

      A report was sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

      A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We were made aware of a vehicle fire outside a property  around 10.40pm on Thursday, September 3.
      “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended, nobody was injured and the fire is being treated as wilful.
      “Enquiries are ongoing.
      “Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3735 of September 3.”
      Rangers have been approached for a comment.

       Idiot arsonist nicknamed Smokey sets himself on FIRE as he tries to torch car
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