Three year ban for Bellamy clash fan
A man who was shoved in the face by Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy after running onto the Old Trafford pitch during Manchester United's 4-3 derby win earlier this month was banned from attending football matches for three years on Wednesday.
Jake Clarke, 21, from Chorley, Lancashire, admitted entering the playing area after Michael Owen scored United's injury-time winner.
Bellamy confronted Clarke after the solo pitch invasion, which came at the end of a highly charged game on September 20.
The bricklayer, who had to be restrained by four stewards, told officers he "got overexcited" and "just wanted to celebrate with the players" after Michael Owen scored a last-gasp winner.
Clarke, who has previous convictions for cannabis possession and common assault, told Trafford Magistrates' Court that he "deeply regrets" his behaviour.
He said: "I'm gutted about what I have done. I know it was a stupid action. I just wanted to celebrate."
The court heard Clarke was leaving the ground when Owen scored deep into injury time, and the fan was pushed towards the pitch before he decided to enter it.
Steve Woodman, prosecuting, showed CCTV footage of the incident, and said that Manchester United are considering imposing their own ban on the football fan.
