A HEARTS fan who invaded the pitch following Derek Riordan's spot kick winner in the Edinburgh derby was frustrated because he had been expecting an easy win for his side, a court heard today.
Robert Philips, 25, was one of two men arrested following the incident at Tynecastle during last night's Edinburgh derby. He could now face jail after admitting a breach of the peace.
The electrician was bundled from the pitch by stewards and spen
t a night in custody.
• Hearts fans facing lifetime ban for running onto pitch during Hibs clashHe admitted breach of the peace at Edinburgh Justice of the Peace Court today.
Fiscal depute Robert Freeland said Philips jumped over the barrier and invaded the pitch after Riordan's penalty in the 70th minute.
Mr Freeland said: "It was around 21.20 hours at a game at Tynecastle Football Stadium during a match. At this time there was a penalty scored by a Hibernian Player.
"Philips jumped over the safety barrier and ran onto the pitch. On seeing him running on the pitch he was pursued by safety staff."
Mr Freeland said Philips was escorted off the playing field by stewards before being charged by police.
His solicitor, Nigel Bruce, said his client was a first offender. He added that because of Hibernian's poor form and injury difficulties, Philips had expected an easy win.
Mr Bruce said: "He is extremely remorseful. He is a single man who has never been in any trouble before today.
"In the lead-up to the game the Hearts supporters believed they were going to get an easy win. There was an expectation in the Hibs and Hearts support that it was going to a one-sided match."
Mr Bruce said that when Philips leapt the safety barrier and invaded the pitch, he instantly regretted his decision and tried to make it back into the crowd.
He said: "He regrets his actions. They were born out of frustration.
"He said as soon as he did that he thought 'what am I doing here?' and tried to get back into the crowd.
"He is very sorry for what he has done and the trouble he has caused. I'm sure this young man will not be back before the courts again."
Mr Bruce said his client's exclusion from Tynecastle as well as a criminal record was punishment enough and asked that Philips be admonished.
Justice of the Peace David Hamilton said: "I'm considering a custodial sentence but before going down that route I will be calling for a social enquiry report."
Sentence was deferred until later this month.
Lothian and Borders Police said they arrested two men following the incident and ejected a further five with stewards also booting out 10 people.
The full article contains 467 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
