A Blackburn Rovers fan who vented his anger at the team and manager was arrested after he turned on his fellow supporters who challenged his behaviour.

Defence solicitor Andrew Church-Taylor said his client’s views were shared by many Rovers fans but it was just the way he expressed them that got him into trouble.

“He is not the only person who is critical of the manager and if that alone was an offence then the courts would be full and Ewood Park would be empty,” said Mr Church-Taylor.

“What he has done is go over the top in his behaviour towards those people who have tried to reason with him.”

Gary Anthony Parker, 47, of Portree Crescent, Blackburn, was convicted after a trial of using threatening behaviour.

He was made subject to community supervision for 12 months with a 7pm to 6am curfew for four weeks, and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £200 costs.

He was also made subject to a football banning order which prohibits him from attending any match for the next three years.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said Christopher Pollard was a season ticket holder at Rovers and his seat was close to that held by Parker.

He said Parker got very animated at matches and was always vocal in his assessment of the Blackburn team and manager.

“He can be very abusive and other members of the public have complained about his behaviour in the past,” said Miss Akhtar.

During the Blackburn v Stoke game on January 2 Parker was shouting foul mouthed abuse because his team were losing.

He was challenged by another supporter and Mr Pollard backed that fan’s point of view.

“He then turned on Mr Pollard in a threatening manner and he feared for his own safety,” said Miss Akhtar.

Mr Church-Taylor said Parker was very enthusiastic in his support of Blackburn Rovers.

“Some of his enthusiasm would not go amiss on the playing area,” said Mr Church-Taylor.

“He accepts the imposition of the football banning order.

“It will keep him away from Ewood Park and the charged atmosphere that leads to his over-enthusiasm.”