A IRVINE thug who got hold of a drum that had been violently snatched from a female worker has been banned from football matches for two years.

Rangers fan Arran Watt, 22, was passed the instrument which had been grabbed from Beverley Mayer outside Hampden Park on August 17.

The St Johnstone Supporters Liaison Officer had been pushed to the ground by the two unknown men, who grabbed the drum from her hands.

The incident sparked crowd disorder with Rangers ultra group the Union Bears clashing with police.

Watt struggled with officers and attempted to break away. He also refused to hand over his personal details until he was told to do so.

He pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to charges of reset and breach of the peace.

He also admitted having a baton without a reasonable excuse or lawful authority while on bail for earlier matters.

Sheriff Louise Arrol KC tagged Watt for six months, keeping him indoors between 8pm and 6am as well as the football ban.

Watt - who had been remanded in custody for 85 days - was also put under supervision for 18 months at today's sentencing.

The sheriff said: "You understand that public disorder connected with football is frightening and damaging to people simply enjoying sport."

The court heard that Miss Mayer was working at the time and had possession of a drum belonging to St Johnstone fans.

Prosecutor Victoria Keel said: "Before kick-off, she was assaulted by two unknown male Rangers supporters. She was pushed to the ground and the drum violently ripped from her grasp.

"The men ran back towards the Rangers fans in possession of the drum."

The hearing was told that the men were chased by police officers.

Miss Keel added: "A disorderly crowd then formed as members of the Union Bears attempted to protect the men and became aggressive towards police officers.

"Watt, who witnessed the robbery, ran through the crowd and took possession of the drum which had been passed to him by one of the men."

Watt was stopped by police but he struggled with them in an attempt to break away. He initially refused to give his details until he was made to do so.

The hearing was told that Watt was caught with a baton in the driver's door compartment when he was behind the wheel of an Audi A3 car in the city's Parkhead on September 1 this year.

Watt was with three other men in the motor which had been pulled over by police.

Ian Moir, defending, told the sentencing that he also expects his client to receive a definite ban from Rangers.

The lawyer added: "His family are very supportive of him but are not supportive of his conduct and the consequences. They say he will need to give up attending football on a permanent basis.

"My client has now learned his lesson and can be dealt with in the community."