Man United supporter fined after throwing beer bottle at Wolves fans

Thomas Perkins hurled the plastic bottle into the Sir Jack Hayward Stand when Manchester United played at Molineux last month.

The 27-year-old, of Threadmill Lane, in Swinton, Manchester, was caught in the act shortly after kick-off.

He was removed from the stadium and arrested by police.

Perkins later pleaded guilty to throwing a missile in a spectator area, breaching the Football Act 1991, and appeared at Walsall Magistrates Court on Thursday, where he was ordered to pay £646.

Magistrates were initially considering a three-year banning order until they heard that Perkins, a lifelong United fan, was of previous good character.

The incident took place five minutes after the 8pm kick-off on August 19, which ended 1-1 and was Wolves’ first Premier League game at home of the 2019/20 season.

Prosecuting, Mr Ash Misty, told the court: “At 8.05pm the defendant was seen throwing a bottle of beer from the Steve Bull Stand into the home fans in the Sir Jack Hayward Stand.

“The defendant was removed and arrested at 8.10pm for breaching Section 2 of the Football Act 1991.

“In the interview at Wolverhampton police station the following morning he was apologetic.

“The defendant had considered his actions and was extremely remorseful.”

Defending Perkins, Mr Allan Maidment said: “Since boyhood he has been a Manchester United fan.

"From time to time he follows the team away, which brought him to Wolverhampton.”

He continued: “He can give no explanation as to why he did this. It was a moment of pure stupidity which he bitterly regrets and has brought shame upon his family.”

Perkins, a business manager, was fined £465, ordered to pay prosecution costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £46.

Magistrate Carolyn Stride added: “We were considering a football banning order but because it is your first time in front of the courts, we won’t make one,

“We trust you won’t be before the courts again.”