TELEVISION sports presenter Jim White was the victim of a violent attack by Celtic fans shortly after the club clinched the premier division title last Saturday, it emerged last night.
A spokesman for the anchorman of Scottish Television's Scotsport has confirmed that about 15 supporters punched, kicked and spat on Mr White as he tried to enter his car in the Celtic FC car park an hour after the match with St Johnstone which clinched Celtic their first title in 10 years.
The attack forced Mr White to miss a charity event later that evening.
It is alleged that some of the fans damaged the vehicle by kicking it and banging on the windows as Mr White and two Scottish Television colleagues attempted to drive away.
Mr Malcolm Brown, a spokesman for Mr White, last night said the presenter was the only one attacked.
He said he had been ''particularly badly shaken up'' and was ''bruised and badly battered'' after being kicked, punched and spat upon.
According to Mr Brown, of Carnegie PR, the presenter did not report the matter to the police or to Celtic because he ''just wants the incident forgotten''.
Mr Brown said: ''Jim believes that the incident is now in the past. He wishes it had never happened although he obviously considers it unfortunate that it did.''
Mr White had to cancel a charity appearance at a British Lung Foundation function in Glasgow on Saturday evening, an event he has supported for the past two years.
Mr Brown said: ''He just told them he was ill and apologised for his non-appearance because he didn't want to make a fuss about it.''
The broadcaster, widely regarded as a Rangers supporter, had been due to host the Red Balloon Ball at the Hilton Hotel but the organisers were informed shortly before the start that he was unwell.
However, he did appear as scheduled on Scotsport on Sunday afternoon.
A spokesman for Scottish Television last night confirmed the attack.
No-one from Celtic was available for comment last night but the club is understood to be disappointed and concerned about the incident.
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