A Rangers fan incited a boozy barney at a pub full of Celtic supporters by asking a youngster to run through the bar waving a Union Jack flag.
Cops raced to The Nip Inn in Johnstone’s Houstoun Square on Sunday night as chaos unfolded following the Old Firm Scottish Cup semi-final.
A source told the Express a man had enlisted the help of an 11-year-old boy to carry out the stunt.
It’s understood the child ran through the busy venue waving a Union Jack flag, resulting in the large scale rammy outside the pub.
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Crowds had gathered to watch Celtic and Rangers play for a place in the tournament’s final, with Rangers nabbing the victory 2-1 after extra time.
But the prank resulted in a large bust-up in the street, and the arrest of two men, after a swarm of cops showed up around
7.30pm.
The man responsible for inciting the trouble managed to flee the scene before police arrived.
The incident has been slammed by the owners of the venue, who posted on social media to say they were “gutted” at the actions of the louts who caused trouble.
Posting on their Facebook account following the incident, a spokesman for The Nip Inn said: “We would like to take this opportunity to address the trouble outside our pub tonight.
“It was in no way our fault or our customers but someone who clearly has nothing better to do but cause bother.
“(We try our best) to run a good pub and I am gutted, having to write this but feel those who clearly can’t cope with enjoying themselves win, lose or draw obviously need to stay in the house!
“The pub is still open and the regulars are still having a ball to themselves so it didn’t ruin the night, thankfully.
“Take care everyone and remember it is only a game!”
No one from the pub was available for comment yesterday. Police Scotland confirmed officers had attended the incident before arrests were made.
A police spokesman said: “Around 7.30pm on Sunday, officers were called to a disturbance at a premises on Houstoun Square, Johnstone.
“Two men, aged 52 and 57 were arrested for a breach of the peace. They will be reported to the procurator fiscal.”
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