A MIDDLE-AGED Clarets fan has been banned from football matches for three years after making offensive remarks to rival supporters.

The Burnley bench was told how jobless David Clark, 50, had his 21-year-old son Matthew with him when he had a go at Everton fans and the chairman said he should have been setting an example.

He was caught out as a police officer was right behind him, but his solicitor claimed police seemed heavy handed.

Bench chairman Susan Hughes told the defendant: "You do not behave in the way you clearly did with young people around you.

"It was not appropriate to make these comments to people who go along to enjoy themselves and not to face the kind of dialogue they heard from you."

Mrs Hughes added Clark's conduct had been unprovoked and his comments were totally out of proportion to the situation.

Clark admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, on July 22. He was given a 12 months conditional discharge, with £35 costs and a three-year football banning order.

A similar allegation against Matthew Clark, of the same address, was withdrawn.

Carl Gaffney, prosecuting, told the court the offence took place at a pre-season friendly match between Burnley and Everton at Turf Moor. h Police saw Clark with his son, walking away from the ground. As he went past people who appeared to be Everton supporters he made offensive remarks.

Clark was captured on CCTV making a gesture. A police officer acted immediately to prevent any further such language.

Duncan Nightingale, defending, said Clark would accept a banning order as long as it was unconditional and was for the minimum three years.