A TEENAGE football hooligan spat at two Ayr United stewards while watching his team lose at Somerset Park.

Queen of the South fan Marshall Meechan pleaded guilty to two charges of assault by spitting at a man and woman during the Championship clash on October 16, 2021.

The 18-year-old apprentice plasterer, who was only 16 at the time of the incident, was admonished - the legal equivalent of a slap on the wrists. 

When he appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court for sentencing, Meechan's solicitor said the charges had been reduced to the summary level after an initial decision to prosecute on indictment - a move which could have led to a tougher sentence.

Ayr won the game 2-1, with Aaron Muirhead and James Maxwell scoring to secure the points for the home team after Lee Connelly had given the Doonhamers the lead.

The court heard the incident happened at 4.40pm, near the end of the game.

The procurator fiscal depute said: "The accused had travelled as an away fan. 

"The away fans became more hostile as their team lost. This included the accused. 

"While the complainer was working, he had cause to speak to the accused, who spat at him. 

"A supervisor came to the area and spoke to the witness, who pointed out the accused. The witness once more advised the accused to stop.

"Again the accused spat.

"Attempts were made to coax him, then get hold of him, and the accused then attempted to disappear into the crowd.

"He was subsequently removed and police were contacted.

"He was cautioned and charged with charge with assault; he made no reply."

Defence solicitor Hugh Duncan said: "He is now 18 years old but was 16 at the time.

"It is his first appearance in court and he has nothing else outstanding.

"He is an apprentice plasterer of four years. On the day in question alcohol had been taken before the game. He has little recollection [of the incident]."

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Desmond Leslie said: "That was a really stupid thing to do. What team do you support?"

Meechan, of Oliphant Court in Dumfries, confirmed he was a Queen of the South fan.

Sheriff Leslie added: "Well let this be a lesson to you. You know what happens with too much drink. You start doing stupid things. 

"You're admonished and dismissed."