Four St Johnstone fans have appeared separately at Perth Sheriff Court, charged with causing mayhem at the club’s ground in the aftermath of their historic trophy double by lifting the Scottish Cup after a 1-0 defeat of Hibernian at Hampden on May 22.
It was the second trophy in less than three months for the Perth side after they won the Betfred League Cup, triumphing over Livingston by the same margin in February.
The quartet, who have all been banned from attending Saints matches until February at the earliest, are accused of “behaving in a threatening or abusive manner” by throwing flares, smoke bombs or other pyrotechnics at police and security officers at the Crieff Road stadium.
It is alleged that security officer Margaret McKenna was struck on the body by one of the missiles.
It is also claimed that they forced their way through a perimeter gate and repeatedly kicked a temporary security fence, damaging it.
It is then said that they forced their way through that fence and then hurled bottles - and other items - at police and security personnel working there, some of which struck the officers.
It is further alleged that they caused “fear or alarm” and formed part of a “disorderly crowd” by shouting and swearing.
An alternative charge accuses the four, while acting with others, of “forming part of a disorderly crowd” and committing a breach of the peace, with the same results.
Before the court were 20-year-old Bobby Paterson, of Newhouse Road; Declan Harvey (20), of Threipland Way; and 21-year-old Logan Gilmartin, of Rannoch Road, all Perth; as well as Lewis Macleod (22), of Belmont Park, Scone.
Paterson alone faces a second charge of attempting to assault a female police officer by attempting to kick her on the body.
All four have denied the charges and they will return to Perth Sheriff Court for trial on February 2 next year.
An earlier hearing will take place on January 13.
They were freed on bail by Sheriff Neil Bowie but a special condition was imposed, banning them from attending any St Johnstone games, either home or away, until after the trial.
Depute fiscal Andrew Harding had asked that more stringent conditions be imposed, including attending at a local police station at half-time during home or away matches and not travelling on public transport networks during home or away fixtures.
Lawyers for the accused successfully argued that these additional conditions weren’t “necessary”.
St Johnstone chairman Steve Brown had urged supporters to stay away from McDiarmid Park on cup final day and reminded them of the importance of following coronavirus regulations.
