Fan given match ban for assaulting Kidderminster Harriers player

James Read, aged 23, had only completed a previous three-year ban in January when he 'saw the red mist' during Harriers' game against Stockport County at Aggborough on April 20.

Kidderminster Magistrates Court yesterday heard he had been among a group of Stockport supporters who had invaded the pitch after Harriers scored at the 51st minute.

The court was told the 'situation had been chaotic' and Read had seen Harriers player Lee Vaughan, recognising him by his team colours.

He had then lashed out at the player in 'a moment of madness', punching him at the back of his left ear and neck.

Magistrates were told another player had approached Read telling him to calm down and get off the pitch.

He did so but was identified by pictures and arrested by police when he left the ground.

He admitted what he had done to officers. Mr Vaughan was checked over after the match was stopped to get the invaders off the pitch.

He was not seriously injured, suffering reddening where he was punched, and continued to play.

The match resumed 30 minutes later. Read, of Lyngate Close, Stockport, pleaded guilty to going on to the pitch during the game and assaulting Mr Vaughan.

He was banned from all football matches in the UK for four years and ordered to pay £65 for entering the field and a further £65 for the assault.

He was also ordered to pay £75 compensation to Mr Vaughan along with £85 costs and the £20 victim surcharge. The total amount he will have to pay is £310.

Mr Frederick Pilkington, prosecuting, said: "In police interview, Read told officers he had seen the red mist and lost his head. Tensions were high during the match.

"He told them it had happened during a moment of madness."

Mr John Rogers, defending, said Read had lost his job as a refuse collector at Stockport County Council over the incident.

He said his client had written a letter to Mr Vaughan apologising for what he had done.

"My client has supported Stockport since he was three years old.

He is passionate about the team as they have been an important part of his life for so many years," he said.

"At the game, the goal by Harriers had sounded the death knell for his team and he got caught up in the emotion.

"He did not start the encroachment on to the pitch.

"After throwing the punch he realised what he had done and when told to leave the pitch he did so."

Mr Rogers said Read was normally the calmest person anyone could meet.

The violence was condemned by fans and bosses at Kidderminster Harriers.

Speaking after the incident, Harriers chairman Mark Serrell praised the efforts of stewards and police in dealing with the situation.

"Intelligence from Stockport going into the game was that there was no substantial risk of trouble – these people are experts in their field and gather that information well," he said.

"Unfortunately you cannot legislate for the mentality of a very, very small minority."

The match was for high stakes as Harriers were bidding for promotion glory at the time.

They eventually lost out in the bid after losing to Wrexham at the play-off stage.