THREE Aberdeen fans have been banned from attending any football matches in the UK after being involved in a "violent disturbance" before a match with Rangers.

Stanley Thain, 47, and Ivan Bridge, 41, pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to forming part of a disorderly crowd and engaging in and challenging others to fight.

Gary Leys, 37, admitted an amended charge of shouting and swearing and repeatedly trying to breach a police cordon.

He was fined £550 in 2002 after he was caught on camera punching a 71-year-old Rangers supporter in the face at a football match in Aberdeen and breaching the peace.

Passing sentence, Sheriff Ian Miller handed each of the men orders with the condition they must carry out unpaid work in the community within nine months, as a direct alternative to custody.

He also issued Football Banning Orders, of various lengths, to each of them.

Speaking following sentencing Joe Stewart, Football Liaison Prosecutor for the West of Scotland, said: "We will do all in our power to combat football related violence or disorder of any kind and will continue to bring those who perpetrate such crimes to justice."