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Co Armagh man who invaded Celtic Park pitch receiving death threats, says brother

The 21-year-old remains stranded in Scotland having lost his wallet and ID

A county Armagh man who ran on to the pitch during Celtic’s Champions League clash with PSG on Tuesday night has been receiving death threats according to his older brother.

John Hatton, 21, of Churchill Park in Portadown appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday after the incident which saw him lunge a kick at star forward Kylian Mbappe.

He has been banned from entering any football ground in Scotland, England and Wales until his court date next month.

Celtic have been charged by UEFA over the incident and face a hearing on October 19.

Hatton’s older brother Cillian, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, said: “We don’t want this, he’s getting death threats and has his face in all the papers.”

“He made a stupid mistake, but you’ll find out he has a clean record and is a quiet boy.

“This is first time doing something like this, that’s not him.

“He’s no other choice but to face the consequences, but all this hate directed at him is too much.”

“People have posted our address online, asking people to come get and him.

“This is all Celtic fans, by the way, this is what I’m disgusted about as we’ve been Celtic fans all our life.”

Mr Hatton said his younger brother remains stranded in Scotland having lost his wallet and ID, rendering him unable to travel.

He also said he was disgusted that 61-year-old Celtic supporter Anthony Lavelle was being “hailed a hero” after punching his little brother as he was led away by security.

Lavelle was fined £400 for the assault.

Celtic could be forced to partially close their stadium for a European fixture following this latest incident.

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