'Horse punch' football fan denies disorder

An English football fan who is accused of punching a police horse denied violent disorder today.

Barry Rogerson, 45, was charged after trouble flared when Newcastle United lost 3-0 at home against their arch-rivals Sunderland in April.

Rogerson, wearing a dark suit, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court for a brief hearing where he denied the offence.

Jim Hope, prosecuting, said: “The Crown’s position is these matters are so serious they can only be dealt with at the crown court.”

District Judge Stephen Earl told Rogerson he must appear at Newcastle Crown Court on September 23.

Rogerson, of Hartlands, Bedlington, Northumberland, was granted conditional bail.

The police horse that was allegedly punched by Rogerson is called Bud and works for West Yorkshire Police.

The force’s horse section Twitter feed said: “Thanks everyone for the tweets in relation to Bud however we won’t make any comment while a case is ongoing.”