Scottish footballer Derek Riordan in court over ‘homophobic’ pub incident
Scottish Premier League footballer Derek Riordan has appeared in court today in Edinburgh charged with assault in an incident in which he allegedly used homophobic and sexually explicit language against bar staff.
Riordan, 29, was granted bail at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on the condition that he does not enter the city between the hours of 7pm and 7am, the Scotsman reports.
The alleged incident took place after a punk concert at the city’s Picture House on Lothian Road.
When staff tried to eject him, Riordan allegedly used threatening language towards them and a struggle ensued.
The footballer is charged with making “homophobic comments which included comments of a sexually explicit nature” during the incident.
Riordan pleaded not guilty to the charges of breaching the peace and assault.
The forward has played most recently with Perth football club St Johnstone whom he joined in March after leaving Chinese club Shaanxi Chan-Ba in November, but it was announced earlier this month that his contract would not be extended.
