Southampton fan who threw crutch at teenage ball boy during Pompey derby carnage is banned from matches
Michael Wilson threw a crutch onto the pitch at Fratton Park earlier this year - hitting a ball boy in the process.
A Southampton fan who threw a crutch onto the pitch during their derby against Portsmouth has been banned from attending football matches after striking a teenage ball boy.
Michael Wilson, 44, left the 16-year-old with a cut to his cheek during the match at Fratton Park on January 25.
Southampton Magistrates' Court heard that Wilson reacted after seeing a pitch invader from the Pompey end moving towards Southampton supporters. Prosecutor Rachel Coombes explained that Wilson ran towards the barrier near the disabled seating area, took a crutch belonging to another spectator and threw it onto the pitch. The crutch missed its intended target and instead hit the ball boy.
Wilson, of Beedon Way, Eastleigh, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and throwing a missile onto a football playing area.
Defending, Barry Keel said Wilson accepted responsibility for his actions and wanted to apologise to the teenager.
District Judge Henry Gordon fined Wilson £865 and ordered him to pay £200 in compensation to the injured ball boy. With court costs and a victim surcharge added, the total amount Wilson must pay is £1,496.
The court also imposed a three-year football banning order, the minimum period available under sentencing guidelines.