Football fan faces jail for pitch invasion

A football fan who invaded the pitch three times to taunt opposition players at a Premiership derby match has been warned to expect a jail sentence.

Birmingham City supporter Michael Peter Harper, 26, was "overcome with emotion" when Aston Villa goalkeeper Peter Enckelman gifted City victory with a bizarre own goal in last month's clash between the local rivals.

Harper, of Leafield Road, Solihull, England, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates' Court to encroaching on the playing surface at City's St Andrews ground and to behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

British magistrates told the defendant that only a custodial penalty was appropriate and adjourned the case until November 4 pending pre-sentence reports.

Ryhdian James, prosecuting, said the construction worker approached Enckelman after running on to the pitch to celebrate the Blues' second goal in a 3-0 win.

Harper later admitted to police that he invaded the pitch on three separate occasions and was abusive towards Villa players.

Steven Masih, defending, said Harper had been raised in the shadow of City's stadium and had first watched his heroes aged just six.

The season ticket-holder was ashamed of his actions and had written letters of apology to both Birmingham clubs.

Harper had been celebrating his birthday a day early on the day of the game, Mr Masih said. He added: "That involved, inevitably, Your Worships, the use of alcohol. Mr Harper says his recollection of events that night are not the best, but he does recollect drinking a fairly large amount of alcohol."

Harper, who was granted conditional bail, was overcome with emotion after the second goal, when he realised City were going to beat their "nearest and dearest" rivals after 16 years of ridicule from Villa fans, the lawyer told JPs.