A RANGERS fan from East Lothian who attacked a fellow Gers supporter in a pitch invasion after last year’s Scottish Cup final has been given a community payback order.

Benjamin Taylor, 18, ran onto the field at Hampden Park last May 21 after the final whistle towards a mixed group of fans.

He punched and kicked a Rangers fan who was on the ground, then gestured to others to “come on then”. Taylor stuck two fingers up at the police before yelling abuse at officers.

The teen from Lawson Way, Tranent, pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to an offence contrary to the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act, as well as assaulting the unknown male.

On Tuesday, Sheriff Tony Kelly handed Taylor a community payback order with the condition he must carry out 300 hours’ unpaid work in a year. The sheriff also imposed a year-long football banning order.

Procurator fiscal depute Lindzi Bayne told the court: “The accused was observed on the football pitch following the final whistle.

“He was observed making his way to the south west area directly in front of Rangers supporters.”

The court heard a group of Rangers and Hibs supporters were fighting and Taylor ran towards that group of fans. A Rangers fan fell and Taylor “ran towards him and punched and kicked him on the body”.

Acting aggressively, Taylor gestured to fans to “come ahead” before sticking his fingers up at police and shouting abuse.

He was later identified by officers and charged with the offences.

Defence lawyer Martin Morrow said: “He’s not a Hibs fan, Mr Taylor is a Rangers fan.”

He said that Taylor went towards the group of fans on the pitch thinking his friends were there and his friend was assaulted by a Rangers fan.

Mr Morrow added: “That’s what caused Mr Taylor to get involved with this man who had assaulted his friend, who turned out to be a Rangers fan.

"Mr Taylor, albeit he was on the pitch and ended up involved with a Rangers supporter, was himself a Rangers supporter.”

It was accepted by Taylor his behaviour was “entirely unacceptable” and it was said on his behalf that “he feels he has let everybody down”.