A professional poker player who shouted sectarian abuse after the Old Firm match at Hampden last month has been given a football banning order but avoided jail.

Sam Miller, 26, from Romford, Essex, was spared jail after shouting 'f****** orange b******s" after the Celtic v Rangers Scottish Cup semi-final on April 17.

Miller was arrested at the match and after spending a night in the cells pleaded guilty to breaching the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act by shouting, swearing, gesticulating and making sectarian remarks at Rangers fans and police officers. He also admitted resisting arrest.

Passing sentence on Monday, sheriff Paul Crozier said: "Your conduct was appalling, bringing shame on you and your family."

He handed Miller a community payback order with the condition he must carry out 120 hours of unpaid work within six months. He also imposed a year-long football banning order.

Miller was arrested at the match when police spotted him walking towards Rangers fans at an area of the stand after the final whistle.

He was seen shouting and gesturing in an aggressive manner at the fans as they celebrated, and some were beginning to leave.

Procurator fiscal depute Stuart Fauré said: "He was shouting 'f****** orange b******s. Police officers heard him use that phrase repeatedly.

"The officers went towards the accused and told him he was under arrest and placed their hands on him.

"It was at this stage he deliberately tensed his arms making it more difficult for the police officers to take him into custody."

The court heard he shouted the same phrase and police were able to finally prise him away from the railings.

Defence lawyer Des Finnieston told the court he has "very seldom" seen a client so anxious and regretful for what they have done.

He said Miller got caught up in a group situation but as to how it happened, Miller is "lost for an explanation".

Miller was in Glasgow for a poker game and had been invited by a friend to the hospitality area and had too much to drink.

The court heard he has no affiliation to either team but had put a bet on Celtic to win.