A man who invaded the pitch at the Aberdeen v Rangers game told police he was not an actual football supporter, a court has heard.

Youssef el Hamalawy got excited when James Maddison scored a 90th minute winner during the match at Pittodrie on September 25.

The 23-year-old ran halfway up the pitch to celebrate..

The finance student said he was unaware of the animosity between both sets of fans as appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

Fiscal depute Karen Dow said there was a hostile atmosphere during the match, particularly at the segregation fence.

She said: "There were a number of incidents of disorder which required police intervention as the match came to a conclusion.

"Police officers standing in the South Stand saw the accused walk through an unlocked gate allowing access to the football pitch.

"He ran from the South Stand to the halfway line before turning back to where he entered the pitch."

Police later caught up with the university student, who stressed he was not an actual football supporter and had not been aware of any hostilities between Dons and Rangers fans.

The court heard he told officers: "I'm really sorry for running on to the pitch. I regret what I did. I thought others were trying to do it and I just kept running and didn't know what to do."

Defence lawyer Charles Benzies said his client had attended the match with friends completely oblivious to the animosity between both sets of fans.

Hamalawy then got carried away with the "superb" goal scored by Aberdeen midfielder James Maddison, which sealed the victory for the home side.

Mr Benzies described his client as being "extremely embarrassed" by his foolhardy actions.

Sheriff Alison Stirling asked the lawyer to explain why his client was late in attending his court appearance.

Mr Benzies explained his client had travelled from London where he had attended his sister's wedding.

Sheriff Stirling fined Hamalawy £300 and gave him one month to pay.