A football fan has received a 3 year ban from attending all English football matches following an incident in which he punched a police horse.

Shaun Allen of Cross Heath, Staffordshire was attending the Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers match at The Reebok Stadium on 16 August when he became abusive to a mounted police officer who had taken a can of beer of him. Allen punched the horse then ran off but he was arrested later.

On 7 November he appeared at Bolton Magistrates court where he pleaded guilty to causing harassment, alarm and distress. He received a 3 year match ban plus a fine of £200. He was also ordered to pay £100 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.