A man, Andrew Watt, 34, confessed to throwing a bottle at Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo during a recent derby match against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium on May 4, 2025. The Finnish international was targeted by Watt, who also launched a cigarette at him. The incident took place during a game that ended in a 1-1 draw between Rangers and the Scottish Premiership champions.
Watt, appearing in court, pleaded guilty to the charge of assaulting Sinisalo by attempting to strike him with the thrown items. Despite his defense attorney, Kevin Corr, acknowledging the seriousness of the offense, Watt, who works as a roofer, was granted bail with the condition to stay away from football matches. The sentencing was postponed to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Sinisalo later spoke to the media, revealing that there were around 30 to 40 objects thrown onto the pitch during the match. He emphasized the danger posed by such actions, highlighting the variety of items, including lighters, vapes, coins, and mugs, that were hurled onto the field. Sinisalo expressed concern about the potential consequences of such behavior, emphasizing the need for accountability and safety in sports environments.
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like throwing objects at players during a football match is not really the best idea. Sinisalo’s recount of the incident sheds light on the chaos that unfolded on the pitch that day, with a barrage of items being launched in the direction of the players. The fact that Watt admitted to intentionally targeting the goalkeeper adds another layer of concern to the situation. It’s not clear why some individuals resort to such reckless behavior during sporting events, putting players’ safety at risk. The court’s decision to defer sentencing for Watt allows for a more thorough examination of the events that transpired, hopefully leading to a better understanding of what drove his actions. The ban on Watt attending football matches serves as a precautionary measure to prevent any future incidents of a similar nature. The aftermath of the match serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining respect and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
