A FOOTBALL referee saw red during a doorstep dispute with his ex and her new partner.

Blackburn magistrates heard Alan James Taylor and the other man where involved in a fight and Taylor's son was also arrested for his part in the incident.

Taylor, 47, of Warwick Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour towards Jacqueline Mullin and Francis Brown. He was fined £200 with £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Miss Mullin had been Taylor's partner but now lived with Mr Brown.

"The defendant turned up, kicking on the door and shouting threats at Mr Brown," said Miss Allan. "When he went to the door they started fighting."

Simon Farnsworth, defending, said the parties involved in the incident were all known to each other and there had been a reluctance to pursue prosecution by the other parties.

"My client was involved in a relationship with Jacqueline Mullin for 26 years and they have a son," said Mr Farnsworth. "The son had complained to his dad about something that had happened and he went round to confront his ex-partner and find out what had gone on. He became involved in a heated argument and accepts he lost his temper."

He said the son was also arrested and said Mr Brown had not been a "shrinking violet" in the altercation that took place.

He said his client had been a referee in local football for 20 years and was normally a calm individual.

"Some of the abuse he gets as a referee washes over him but when it comes to his family it is different," said Mr Farnsworth. "There has been physical contact and there has been fighting but he is not charged with that."