Diamonds fans banned from Perth

Nov 19 2008 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

TWO Airdrie football fans have been banned from Perth after appearing in court charged with maliciously damaging a section of corrugated plastic sheeting at McDiarmid Park.

The incident is alleged to have taken place during the Alba Challenge Cup final between Airdrie and Ross County at the Crieff Road stadium on Sunday.

Scott Gibb (18), of Sutherland Drive, and 18-year-old Craig Laird, of Imperial Drive, both Airdrie, denied repeatedly punching the sheeting when they appeared at Perth Sheriff Court.

They will face trial on March 2, with a preliminary hearing set for February 5.

Both were freed on bail but a special condition was imposed, banning them from Perth unless for court appearances or pre-arranged meetings with their solicitor.

The match ended 2-2 at full-time but Airdrie lifted the silverware after a dramatic 3-2 penalty shoot-out victory.