Lenient fine for World Cup final pitch invader

A fan who tried grabbing the World Cup trophy minutes before Sunday’s final has been let off lightly by a South African court, who fined him R2,000 (€210.07).

Police have confirmed that Jaume Marquet Cot appeared in a Johannesburg court charged with trespassing and attempted theft at the match between Holland and Spain.

The 34-year-old, who is known as Jimmy Jump, dashed more than 50 metres after escaping security on the north side of the pitch and was eventually tackled within a few feet of the trophy.

An official guarding the trophy floored him with a punch and he was carried into the tunnel before being arrested.

Reports said that Cot did not intend stealing the trophy but rather wanted to put a Spanish-style hat on it.

He is a notorious invader at major events – his last stunt seeing him find his way onto the stage during the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo.