Footballer Hurst remanded in custody after 'coughing in face of police officers'

Footballer James Hurst has been remanded in custody after coughing at police officers and telling them he had coronavirus.

The 28-year-old, who used to play for West Brom and now plays for Hednesford Town, was arrested after losing his temper and swearing at officers, branding them 'Scottish slaves'.

The incident, as reported by the BBC, took place in Glasgow's Drumchapel area in April and the former England youth international has admitted acting in a threatening or abusive manner towards the officers.

Hurst actually contacted police in the first place, claiming to be the victim of domestic abuse, before officers became aware of an possible outstanding warrant against him after the incident in a garden in a woman's home.

When police confronted him, Hurst yelled: 'Get my lawyer first', but he was arrested.

Prosecuting at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Mark Allan described the course of events: 'He immediately stated "I've got Covid, I'm going to cough and spit all over you".

'At that point he began to cough in the faces of both officers as they were placing handcuffs on him. As he did this, he shouted "Have that".

'He said he is from the Queen's country and all Scottish are slaves to him.'

Hurst, who has also played for Crawley Town, Torquay United and Wrexham, also reportedly said: 'You are not the law, you are civilians in uniform, Queen's country rules, you live in Scottish slums, I am superior.'

Defending, Keith Tuck told the court that Hurst, who has previously been convicted of drink driving, had aspirations of becoming a manager.

'He is a man who in the past has had a successful career as a professional footballer and has qualifications in football as a coach in England,' said Tuck.

Sheriff Tony Kelly deferred sentence until the end of the month for background reports - Hurst has been remanded in custody in the meantime.