Ryan Munro, a life-long Hibs supporter, ran onto the pitch at the end of the match. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Ryan Munro, 30, of Cathcart Place, Edinburgh, had pled guilty previously at the city’s Sheriff Court to committing a breach of the peace at the Easter Road Stadium on February 16. Sentence was deferred until today for background reports.

Fiscal Depute, Kirsty Lyon, told Sheriff John Beckett QC that the incident was not in close proximity to the Heart’s supporters, as Munro had been taken away by stewards immediately.

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Defence solicitor, Sarah Quinn, described her client’s actions as “utter stupidity”. “He is deeply embarrassed by his actions. It was caused by his excitement at his team, who he has supported since he was a boy, knocking Heart of Midlothian out of the Cup”. Ms Quinn said the “impulsive and stupid act” lasted only a few seconds. Munro, she added, a season ticket holder at Easter Road, had not gone to a game since the offence.

“It was a very passionate match” she said.

Sheriff Beckett said Munro had “a terrible criminal record” and was on a Community Payback Order at the time. He told Munro: “For someone with your criminal record to behave in this way was crass stupidity. Fortunately, it was nipped in the bud very quickly and the reaction of the opposing fans was limited”.