Carly's Manchester United Blog
John Murphy aged 18 from Glenavon Road in Glasgow has been thrown in jail for 6 months after he did a one man pitch invasion during the Celtic 'v'Manchester United Champions League clash at Celtic Park on November 5th. Quite right too. What on earth happens inside these drunkards minds when they have a drink ? They seem to think they can take on the world or do as they please. I've known guys who are so nice when sober, then they have a drink and they say some disgusting things and I just completely disown them then. This guy is a complete and utter clown who has probably consumed four cans of lager and then thinks it is OK to do just as he pleases and run onto the pitch, bloody asshole should be locked up for longer if you ask me.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Sheriff Linda Ruxton who seemed a bit non-plussed by this behaviour said his actions were "dangerous and irresponsible". Also adding: "Not only did you create a situation in which there were fears for the safety of the players on the pitch, but you interrupted a high profile match and created a situation which might easily have provoked serious public disorder. Furthermore, you brought Scottish football generally and Celtic Football Club in particular into disrepute and your behaviour caused the club to be fined a substantial amount."
She was actually going to lock him away for nine months but reduced this as he pleaded guilty. Though what that has to do with it is beyond me as the TV cameras showed he was guilty anyway ! After sentencing she also added: "Such a sentence is particularly designed to have a deterrent effect on others who need to appreciate that such behaviour at football matches will not be tolerated by the courts." She did let him off with the charge of drunkeness which I found rather amusing, I doubt he does though.......
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about 1 month ago
9 months? That's what he should have got?
Let me tell you something - A few years ago, I witnessed a fight where the victim was punched to the ground and then had his head repeatedly stamped on. As a result of this, he fell into a coma and was incredibly lucky to survive. He has never made a full recovery though and still suffers from memory loss and illness.
When the attacker was eventually caught and sentenced, he got 12 months. For nearly killing someone. That's just 3 months more than Murphy would have got had he pleaded not guilty.
I'm not condoning his actions, just highlighting the absurd difference in punishments meted out at football grounds compared to everywhere else.
I suggest you look at http://z12.invisionfree.com/StandUpSitDown/index.php?s=2ad6b5755f7e3945aa835f816af53d36&showforum=1 for further examples of the ridiculous treatment dished out to football fans.
from 29 days ago
You witnessed it but didn't stop it ?!
Why ?
I would have stepped in to stop this happening, even though I am 160cm and 46kgs, we must help if this kind of thing happens.
I do agree 9 months is right punishment, and I also think the guy you spoke about should have had 5 or 6 years.
They are very lazy in courts to football disorder here in UK.
In Romania if you invade the pitch they don't take kindly to it. They would beat they guy and put him in prison for 1 year probably. So rarely do we ever see invasions like this onto the pitch.
29 days ago
I'm not going to discuss the details of the case online, but I did my bit at the time and and at the trial.
But how can the courts be lazy when you get such severe sentences? Joy Riders etc etc will get less than the pitch invader.
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