Scottish football boss cleared after Glasgow incident amid claims of sectarian abuse

Scottish football manager Jim McIntyre has been acquitted of assault charges following a trial relating to an incident during a night out in Glasgow city centre. The 53-year-old, who lives in Dunblane, had strongly denied allegations that he attacked Declan Denholm during the early hours of January 19, 2025.

The former manager has been found not guilty (Image: Newsquest)

Court proceedings heard claims that McIntyre and a co-accused, David Elliott, also 53 and from Dumbarton, were involved in a violent confrontation. Prosecutors alleged the pair ran toward Mr Denholm, threw a jacket at him, and then repeatedly punched and kicked him on the head and body, causing him to fall to the ground and sustain injuries.

Former Dundee and Ross County boss Jim McIntyre has been cleared of assaultCredit: Kenny Ramsay

However, after hearing the evidence, Sheriff Martin Jones KC ruled that the case had not been proven beyond reasonable doubt. In delivering his verdict, the sheriff stated that the prosecution had failed to meet the necessary legal threshold for a conviction. As a result, both McIntyre and Elliott were found not guilty. The two men thanked the sheriff before leaving the dock.

Following the verdict, David Elliott released a statement giving his version of events. He claimed that he and McIntyre were the real victims during the encounter, alleging they were subjected to sectarian and anti-Irish abuse. Elliott said the confrontation escalated after comments were directed at them and insisted that neither man had acted as aggressors.

During the trial, McIntyre gave evidence outlining what he said occurred on the night in question. He explained that he and Elliott, who have been friends since childhood, had been enjoying an evening out with their wives, going for dinner and drinks in Glasgow. As the group made their way back to their hotel, McIntyre said they encountered Declan Denholm along with Kenzie White and Joshua Daniel.

According to McIntyre, the situation quickly became hostile. He told the court that he heard what he described as sectarian slogans being shouted toward him and his friend as they passed. Moments later, McIntyre claimed he witnessed Mr Denholm forcefully tackle Elliott into temporary fencing on Sauchiehall Street.

McIntyre said he immediately moved toward the scuffle in an attempt to help his friend break free. He described a chaotic scene, alleging that Kenzie White had wrapped a bag containing cans around his hand, seemingly preparing to use it as a weapon.

“I felt a blow to the head,” McIntyre told the court. “After that, I don’t remember anything.”

He explained that his memory of events after that moment was extremely limited, adding that he had no recollection of police officers arriving or being taken away from the scene. McIntyre said his wife later informed him that she had been answering questions on his behalf while he was disoriented.

Drawing on his football background, McIntyre said he was familiar with the effects of concussion, having suffered several during his playing career. He told the court he was in no doubt that he had been concussed during the incident, which he said explained his confusion and lack of memory.

Ultimately, the sheriff concluded that the evidence presented did not support the prosecution’s case to the standard required by law. With both accused men cleared, the case came to a close, bringing an end to a legal process that had followed the Glasgow city centre incident for more than a year.

Celtic finally make their move as £4.3m striker offer lands on Martin O’Neill’s desk

Celtic have reportedly intensified their pursuit of attacking reinforcements by making a formal approach for Lorient striker Mohamed Bamba, as the club looks to add firepower during the January transfer window.

According to reports emerging from France, the Hoops have submitted a proposal to take the 24-year-old forward on loan until the end of the season, with an option to complete a permanent transfer in the summer. The move would represent Celtic’s first major incoming deal of the window under interim manager Martin O’Neill, who has made no secret of his desire to strengthen the squad.

Lorient are understood to be weighing up Celtic’s offer, particularly given Bamba’s reduced role in the French side’s plans this season. The Ivorian striker has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter during the current Ligue 1 campaign, managing just one goal from seven starts. That lack of consistent game time has opened the door to a potential temporary exit.

So far, Celtic’s January business has been limited. Julian Araujo remains the club’s only new arrival, while Odin Holm and Stephen Welsh have returned to Parkhead following loan spells elsewhere. With fixtures piling up and competition for places intensifying, the club’s recruitment team is now working to bring in further reinforcements before the window closes.

French outlet Sport reports that Celtic have identified Bamba as a viable short-term solution, given his situation at Lorient. The striker’s involvement has been particularly limited since November, having started only once across all competitions during that period. He was also omitted entirely from Lorient’s squad for their Coupe de France victory over Hauts Lyonnais, a decision that raised questions about his standing within the team.

Lorient head coach Olivier Pantaloni later revealed that Bamba had been disciplined for what he described as a “lack of discipline.” However, the forward has since been reintegrated into the squad, making a substitute appearance in last weekend’s impressive 3–1 win over Monaco. While that suggests his situation has improved slightly, his overall role remains uncertain, and a loan move could appeal to all parties.

Bamba originally joined Lorient from Austrian outfit Wolfsberger AC in January 2024 in a deal worth around €5 million (£4.3m). He made an immediate impact during the second half of last season, contributing 11 goals and assists in just 16 league appearances. His performances played a key role as Lorient pushed for promotion, which they ultimately secured.

However, his momentum has stalled this season. Across the 2024/25 campaign, Bamba has managed only three goals in 34 league outings, a return that has not met expectations following his strong start in France’s second tier. A fresh environment and regular minutes could be crucial in helping him rediscover that early form, and Celtic appear willing to offer him that opportunity.

The potential move for Bamba is part of a broader recruitment drive at Parkhead. Celtic are understood to be actively exploring several attacking options as they aim to reinforce the squad for the second half of the season. One such target is highly rated Irish teenager Michael Noonan, who is attracting interest from across Europe.

According to respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Celtic have already submitted a bid for the 17-year-old striker and are currently competing with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for his signature. The German club are believed to be pushing hard to finalise a deal quickly, with advanced discussions already taking place. Celtic, however, remain firmly in the race and are keen to add Noonan as a long-term investment.

Another name under consideration is Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana. The Ivory Coast international is reportedly available on a permanent basis after his loan spell with Turkish side Fatih Karagümrük was brought to an early end. Fofana’s profile and experience could make him an attractive option as Celtic look to add depth and variety to their attacking options.

With the January window entering a crucial phase, Celtic are clearly stepping up their efforts behind the scenes. While none of the proposed deals are yet complete, the club’s willingness to explore multiple avenues suggests a busy final stretch of the window. Securing a striker remains a priority, and whether that comes in the form of Bamba, Noonan, Fofana, or a combination of targets, Celtic will be eager to deliver reinforcements capable of making an immediate impact.

O’Neill steps in to halt Celtic player’s departure after near-move collapse

Martin O’Neill has made it clear that Hyun-jun Yang is not going anywhere during the January transfer window, with the Celtic manager determined to keep hold of one of his most in-form players. After a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding his future, Yang has finally cemented his place at Parkhead, and his resurgence has convinced O’Neill that the winger is far too important to lose midway through the season.

Now in his third campaign with Celtic, Yang is enjoying the most productive spell of his time in Glasgow. While his early years at the club were marked by inconsistency and limited opportunities, the 23-year-old has stepped up significantly in recent weeks. His improved performances have not only earned him a regular place in the starting XI but have also reshaped perceptions of his long-term value to the squad.

Yang has found the net three times in his last five appearances, a return that underlines his growing influence in the final third. Those contributions have come at a critical time for Celtic, who are fighting to stay in touch with Hearts at the top of the Premiership table. With the margins so fine in the title race, O’Neill has little appetite for weakening his squad, particularly by allowing an in-form attacker to depart.

The winger’s current standing represents a dramatic turnaround from where he was only a few months ago. Last summer, Yang was widely expected to leave Celtic after making just nine league starts during the 2024–25 campaign. His role under previous management had been sporadic, and interest from the Championship suggested that a permanent exit was a genuine possibility.

Birmingham City, in particular, were confident they would secure Yang’s signature for a fee in the region of £3 million. Negotiations progressed deep into the summer window, and at one stage, the move appeared all but complete. However, Celtic ultimately pulled the plug late on deadline day, largely because they failed to recruit a replacement before the window closed. That decision, though controversial at the time, has since been vindicated.

Yang’s fortunes began to change soon after. He fought his way back into contention under Wilfried Nancy and has taken his game to another level since Martin O’Neill’s return. The veteran manager has shown faith in the South Korean winger, deploying him consistently in his preferred right-wing role rather than the more restrictive right wing-back position he had previously occupied.

That positional clarity has made a noticeable difference. Freed to focus on attacking responsibilities, Yang has looked sharper, more confident, and far more decisive in the final third. His movement off the ball, willingness to take on defenders, and improved end product have all stood out during his recent run in the team.

Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, it was revealed that any talk of Yang leaving in January is firmly off the table. Despite renewed interest from Birmingham City earlier this winter, Celtic have no intention of reopening discussions. O’Neill views Yang as one of the first names on the team sheet and believes his contribution will be vital during the second half of the season.

It was explained that Yang’s near-departure last summer was largely circumstantial. Celtic’s failure to complete incoming business meant they could not afford to sanction his exit, even though Birmingham were convinced they had secured an agreement. Since then, Yang has repaid the club’s decision to retain him by proving his worth on the pitch.

Under O’Neill, Yang has been entrusted with greater responsibility, and his performances have reflected that trust. His goal in the recent win over Dundee United further strengthened his case, reinforcing the sense that he has finally found his rhythm in Scottish football.

Crucially, Celtic’s current squad depth also plays a major role in O’Neill’s thinking. Injuries and underwhelming form in other attacking areas have left the Hoops short of reliable options, making Yang’s availability even more valuable. Allowing him to leave would significantly weaken the squad at a time when every point matters.

There is also a broader context to consider. Yang struggled to make an impression under Brendan Rodgers and appeared destined for the fringes of the squad. However, his revival under O’Neill suggests that his best football may still lie ahead. The manager is keen to harness that momentum rather than disrupt it with a mid-season transfer.

As a result, Celtic are not expected to entertain any offers for Yang during the current window. Instead, O’Neill plans to rely on him as a key component of the team’s push in the latter stages of the campaign, viewing him as an asset rather than a surplus player.

Meanwhile, speculation surrounding a potential reunion between Yang and Kyogo Furuhashi has also been addressed. The pair previously played together at Celtic before Kyogo’s departure last January, and rumours suggested they could link up again either at Parkhead or St Andrew’s.

Kyogo joined Birmingham City from Rennes in the summer but has endured a difficult spell in the Championship. The Japanese striker has yet to register a goal or assist in 23 appearances, raising questions about his future. Despite reports linking him with a return to Celtic, sources indicate that Birmingham have no intention of letting him leave this month.

Celtic, for their part, are looking elsewhere to strengthen their attacking options. With the club keen to add firepower to support their title challenge, attention has reportedly turned to Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana. The Hoops are believed to be monitoring his situation closely ahead of a potential permanent move.

In summary, Hyun-jun Yang’s journey at Celtic has reached a pivotal moment. From being on the brink of departure to becoming a central figure under Martin O’Neill, his transformation has been one of the more compelling narratives of the season. With his confidence high and his performances improving, Celtic see no reason to break up that progress.

For now, Yang remains firmly part of O’Neill’s plans, and any club hoping to prise him away will have to wait. Celtic’s focus is clear: keep their key players, strengthen where possible, and push relentlessly in the race for silverware.

Martin O’Neill responds to Callum Wilson links with Celtic

Speculation linking Callum Wilson with a potential move to Celtic has been played down by Martin O’Neill, who claims the reports came as a surprise to him.

The West Ham United striker has been widely tipped to be on the lookout for a new club during the current transfer window, with his future at the London Stadium appearing uncertain. Recent reports suggested that Celtic had made an approach to West Ham to explore the possibility of bringing the experienced forward to Glasgow, but O’Neill insists he has no concrete knowledge of any such discussions.

Image ref 165178676. Copyright Shutterstock No reproduction without permission. See www.shutterstock.com/license for more information.

Wilson, a former England international, has struggled for regular minutes this season and, at 33, is understood to be keen on securing more consistent game time. That situation has naturally fuelled rumours about a possible move away from West Ham, with Celtic among the clubs mentioned as potential suitors as they search for attacking reinforcements.

However, speaking to the media, O’Neill distanced himself from the reports and made it clear that Wilson’s name had not been part of his immediate thinking. Asked directly about the striker, the interim Celtic boss admitted the speculation was new to him.

“I can’t really tell you anything,” O’Neill said. “To be honest, it was actually news to me. We are looking for goals, of course, but that’s hardly unique to Celtic. Every team is searching for reliable goal scorers.”

While he refused to comment on Wilson specifically, O’Neill did stress that Celtic are actively working behind the scenes to strengthen their squad. He suggested that progress is being made, even if he could not offer supporters concrete names or details at this stage.

“I can’t go into specifics,” he added. “But we are making progress. I do think we’re getting closer. We’re definitely nearer now than we were.”

O’Neill also acknowledged the challenges that come with being questioned publicly about transfers while negotiations are ongoing. He admitted that while he enjoys speaking to the media, transfer-related questions can be uncomfortable due to the sensitivity of the process and the timing involved.

“I enjoy the conversations, I really do,” he said. “But I dread the transfer questions because these things don’t usually get resolved straight away. Often it’s not until later in the window, sometimes even the second or third of February.”

Despite that, the veteran manager sounded cautiously optimistic that Celtic supporters would soon see movement in the market. He indicated that the club is hopeful of bringing new players in sooner rather than later, potentially within the next week.

“I would be hoping that by some stage next week we would have people through the door,” O’Neill said, offering reassurance to fans growing impatient for signings.

Addressing Wilson’s situation more generally, O’Neill was quick to praise the striker’s quality, even while distancing Celtic from any firm interest. He described Wilson as a “very fine player” but suggested he had assumed the forward was bound for another destination.

“I hadn’t thought about that move at all,” he said. “Not because he’s not a very good player – he is – but I genuinely thought he was heading elsewhere.”

That assumption may be supported by further reports from the Scottish Sun, which claim that Wilson could be set for a move outside the UK altogether. According to the report, Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab are leading the race to sign the striker and are prepared to offer him a deal that would take him to the Middle East.

If that proves accurate, it would effectively rule out a move to Celtic and underline the competitive nature of the market for experienced forwards. Clubs from wealthier leagues and regions are often able to offer financial packages that Scottish sides struggle to match, particularly for players with Premier League pedigree.

For Celtic, the situation highlights the complexity of their search for attacking options. While the club are clearly prioritising the addition of a striker, they must balance experience, cost, availability, and long-term planning. O’Neill’s comments suggest that, while names like Wilson may be circulating in the media, Celtic’s actual targets may lie elsewhere.

As the transfer window moves into a decisive phase, clarity is expected to arrive quickly. Whether or not Wilson’s future is resolved in the coming days, Celtic fans will be watching closely for tangible progress, hopeful that the club’s pursuit of “elusive goal scorers” finally results in new arrivals before the window closes.