A DUNFERMLINE fan who repeatedly made racist gestures at Falkirk's black winger Myles Hippolyte has been fined £450.

Chef Robert Nellies, of Gellatly Road, was attending a Scottish Challenge Cup clash between the Pars and the Bairns at Falkirk Stadium on October 7 last year when the incidents occurred.

Depute fiscal Michael Maguire told Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday that Nellies, 35, was in the stand with his nephew.

Mr Maguire said: "He was seen by several witnesses making monkey gestures on five or six occasions.

"This appeared to be directed towards one of the Falkirk players, who is of Grenadian descent."

Mr Maguire said that, shortly after, Hippolyte scored a 59th minute goal and Falkirk went on to win 2-0.

Nellies was arrested before he could leave the ground.

Mr Maguire said: "He provided some admissions during interview and apologised to the police for his behaviour."

Father-of-three Nellies, a first offender, pleaded guilty to committing a racially aggravated breach of the peace.

Defence agent Neil Hay said Nellies' partner was "disgusted" by his actions and added: "It's always difficult to find mitigation for circumstances like these.

"Mr Nellies was thoroughly carried away.

"At the time he thought he was just being immature, but it could have caused offence had the player known about it."

Sheriff Michael Fletcher said the danger of such behaviour was that it could encourage others, leading to "things getting completely out of control".

He told Nellies: "I hope you now realise how silly this was."