Leigh Griffiths admits offensive singing before Hibs-Hearts derby

Image source, Ciaran Donnelly

Celtic and Scotland striker Leigh Griffiths has been admonished after admitting singing a song with offensive lyrics about an ex-Hearts player.

The 25-year-old footballer made a brief appearance in Edinburgh Sheriff Court over the offensive lyrics about Rudi Skacel.

The incident happened before a Hearts-Hibs derby game at Tynecastle in March last year.

The player's lawyer said he apologised unreservedly for his actions.

Newspaper picture

Fiscal Depute Faith Miller said police officers were on duty in Roseburn Terrace at around 10:00 on Sunday, 30 March before the Scottish Premier League game between the two Edinburgh clubs.

A large number of Hibs fans had gathered waiting for the opening of the Roseburn Bar.

Ms Miller said the fans began singing a song about Skacel to the tune of the Beatles "Yellow Submarine".

It contained lyrics referring to Czech-born Mr Skacel as a "refugee".

The fiscal told Sheriff Scott it was "a well-known Hibs song" and Griffiths was seen joining in.

When the Roseburn Bar opened, the Hibs fans inside began singing the song again.

The fiscal said the following Sunday a newspaper printed a picture of Griffiths, a Hibs fan, standing on a chair in the pub, singing along with the other supporters.

Solicitor Advocate Liam O'Donnel said in the 18 months since then, his client had not been in trouble.

He added Griffiths had been fined four weeks wages by his club for being involved in the incident.