A BLACKBURN Rovers fan who punched a minibus window taking Bolton fans home from the match in August has not been made subject to a football banning order.

Blackburn magistrates ruled an order was not necessary to prevent future violence or disorder after hearing of David Metcalfe’s ‘exemplary good character’ and the sad circumstances that had preceded the incident.

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Metcalfe, 51, of Prunella Drive, Lower Darwen, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to the bus window and using threatening behaviour.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months, fined £230 and ordered to pay £285 compensation, £150 criminal court charge, £23 victim surcharge and £20 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the incident followed the Friday evening match between the two clubs on August 28. The mini-bus had come to a standstill due to the volume of traffic when Metcalf approached and punched a rear side window causing it to smash.

“At least two men got off the coach and there was a fight,” said Mr Robinson. “A police officer saw Metcalf swing a punch at one of the Bolton supporters which missed. The other man responded with a punch of his own which connected, knocking the defendant to the floor. While he was down the other Bolton man kicked him in the back.”

Metcalf admitted to police that he had drunk about eight pints of lager but said he wasn’t drunk.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had started going to watch Rovers as a child and had been a fan for 45 years. He had been a season ticket holder since the age of 15.

“During all that time he has never been involved in any kind of incident,” aid Mr Taylor. “He is deeply ashamed of what happened on this occasion but there are circumstances which go some way to explaining why he behaved so much out of character.”

Mr Taylor said for the last 15 years Metcalf had sat next to a very good friend at the Rover’s matches.

“Unfortunately, prior to this match, that friend had died of a heart attack,” said Mr Taylor. “He was at the game and there was an empty seat next to him.”

“He was at a low ebb, making his way home when a number of individuals at the back of the mini-bus started making gestures and shouting abuse at him,” said Mr Taylor.

“He punched out at the window where they were sitting but never expected it to break.”