Scottish footballer who called bar staff ‘poofs’ fined £800
A Scottish footballer charged with making homophobic threats to staff at a nightclub in Edinburgh has been fined £800.
Derek Riordan became involved in a confrontation at the Picture House on Lothian Road on 7 May 2012.
On Friday, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard how staff removed the ex-Celtic player because he is banned for life from a number of pubs and clubs in the Scottish capital.
The court heard how he called staff “poofs” as they threw him out of the venue.
Defence solicitor Kathleen More told the court that Riordan was sorry for his conduct.
Ms More said the player had not realised that he was banned from the Picture House.
The 29-year-old, from Edinburgh, admitted a charge of breach of the peace.
Prosecutors agreed to drop an assault charge which alleged that the former Scotland international had seized Picture House employee Michael Moore by the throat when he was being thrown out of the club.
Riordan currently plays for Bristol Rovers.
