Policeman on racial abuse charge

The officer has been charged with shouting racial and sectarian abuse

A policeman has appeared in court charged with shouting racial and sectarian abuse at a Rangers match.

Greg Louden, who serves with Fife Constabulary, allegedly carried out the offences during the Champions League tie against Villarreal on 22 February.

The 27-year-old has denied committing a racially aggravated breach of the peace and causing another breach by shouting sectarian abuse at Ibrox Stadium.

Louden, from Dunfermline, will appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court later in 2006.

The policeman was charged with committing a racially aggravated breach of the peace by intending to cause alarm to a player or players from Villarreal.

He is alleged to have committed another breach by swearing, making lewd gestures, shouting sectarian abuse and inciting others to do the same.