A former Highland League champion has been fined for brawling at last year’s Scottish Cup final.
Michael Morrison – who is currently assistant manager at Dufftown – attacked another man at Hampden Park after thousands of Rangers and Hibernian fans invaded the pitch seconds after the final whistle on May 12.
In the weeks following the scenes that marred the showpiece event police released hundreds of images as part of a man hunt to track down supporters.
And yesterday Morrison who works at Johnstons of Elgin, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court to admit his part in the fracas.
The defender joined junior side Dufftown from Nairn County in the summer to team up with former Aberdeen boss Steve Paterson as player and assistant manager.
And last night the Speyside outfit pledged to stand by the veteran defender despite his football violence conviction.
A club spokesman said: “Michael will be continuing in his roles, he has got our backing because of the way he works with the team and his experience. He has always been honest with us.”
The club declined to comment about whether it was appropriate for a player in a management role to continue in that position after admitting fighting at a football match.
During a glittering career in the Highland League the 37-year-old lifted the league title as well as the League Cup, North Cup and Challenge Cup.
Morrison has turned out for clubs including Elgin City, Cove Rangers, Buckie Thistle and Nairn County over the last 20 years.
Last night George Rose, president of the North Region Junior Football Association, said Morrison would not face any disciplinary charges.
He said: “This is a matter for the courts. It isn’t something for the management committee of the league to get involved in.”
Morrison, of Chanonry Road in Elgin, was fined £450 after he admitting punching the unknown man before throwing him to the ground.
The 37-year-old declined to comment when contacted last night.