Ricksen appeal after fireworks fine

Ricksen was having a party at his house

The lawyer for Rangers footballer Fernando Ricksen has promised to appeal against his "excessive fine" for assault during a row over an impromptu fireworks display.

The Ibrox player was fined £7,000 after pleading guilty to assaulting another man outside his former home in Newton Mearns near Glasgow.

He also pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing and committing a breach of the peace in November last year.

However, speaking after the trial at Paisley Sheriff Court, his lawyer James Peacock said the size of the fine was unjustified.

It's nothing to do with you. You know what will happen if you don't go home Fernando Ricksen

He said: "I am going to appeal this on the basis that it was an excessive penalty."

Ricksen's defence said the player had been entertaining friends from Holland at the time and "too much drink" had been taken.

He had denied the offences when the case against him was originally called at Paisley Sheriff Court.

However, when he appeared for trial he changed his plea.

He admitted assaulting Andrew Killen, from Giffnock, by pushing him once on the chin and once on the body on 24 November.

He also admitted conducting himself in a disorderly manner, repeatedly igniting fireworks, shouting and swearing and causing a breach of the peace.

The court heard that friends from Holland were being entertained at Ricksen's house in the early hours of the morning.

Fireworks were found and it was decided to let them off.

Depute fiscal Frank Clark said that residents living around the house in Kirklands Drive heard loud bangs.

Mr Killen got dressed and telephoned the police when he realised what was going on.

When he saw Ricksen in the street holding fireworks he decided to approach him and appeal to him to stop the noise.

However, he said the player "adopted an abusive manner" and told him: "This is my house."

'Personal matter'

Mr Killen said the noise had woken his children who were upset.

The victim said that at that point, the 27-year-old footballer warned: "It's nothing to do with you. You know what will happen if you don't go home.

"I know where you live".

Mr Clark said that Ricksen pushed Mr Killen on the face and shoulder, causing the other man to step back.

Ricksen's defence agent said his client accepted that his behaviour was wrong.

The lawyer said Ricksen has now moved to a new address in Glasgow and there has been no repetition.

Sheriff David Pender told Ricksen: "I am sure that this will not find favour with your employers."

He said the financial penalty would be substantial to reflect the court's displeasure.

Ricksen was fined £5,000 for assault and £2,000 for breach of the peace, payable within 28 days.

A Rangers spokesman said: "This is a personal matter for the player and it is not something we would wish to comment on."