A MAN who invaded the Chester FC pitch and threw a missile at opposition fans has been handed a three-year Football Banning Order.

Chase Astill, 25, of Sumner Road, pleaded guilty to the pitch invasion and the throwing of a missile at Brackley Town FC supporters, in what was the club's play-off semi-final match on Sunday, May 7.

Chester Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday, October 3 that Astill was easily identifiable among the supporters who had invaded the pitch, as he was wearing a "bright pink T-shirt and shorts".

Prosecuting, Lisa Maguire said Chester FC had been playing Brackley Town in the National League North play-off semi-final, which Brackley won 1-0.

At the conclusion of the match, a number of Chester FC supporters invaded the pitch and there was a disturbance between them and Brackley supporters who were in the away stand.

Astill was identified as throwing a missile into the crowd of Brackley fans.

The defendant had no previous convictions.

A Football Banning Order (FBO) was sought by the prosecution, which the court heard must be imposed unless there are circumstances where it would be unjust to do so.

The FBO prohibits Astill from being in a boundary of Chester defined by police for four hours before or after any Chester FC home game. For Chester FC away matches, the FBO prohibits Astill from being in the area of where the team is playing before or after the game. The FBO also applies to England matches.

Defending, Steve Coupe said Astill was of previous good character and "is not really a football fan", but was persuaded to go to the May 7 game by friends who had a spare ticket "on a whim".

It was accepted Astill had been drinking and he had followed the crowd of people on to the pitch. Mr Coupe added the missile thrown was a flare which had been thrown by Brackley fans on to the pitch, and Astill was throwing it back at them.

The court heard this was a "one-off incident".

A police officer at the back of court explained to magistrates Chester FC had been fined £5,000 by the FA over the disorder and 33 fans had been banned from attending future games, with a number of cases working their way through the courts.

The officer added a number of injuries had been sustained by Brackley Town fans, and Chester FC's Deva Stadium capacity had been reduced for the beginning of the season, with a requirement for extra stewards.

Chair of magistrates Mark Johns said the behaviour of the fans who had invaded the pitch was "disgraceful" and left other fans "ashamed", adding Astill now found himself with a criminal record.

As well as the FBO, Astill was fined £80 and ordered to pay £120 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.