A BLACKBURN Rovers fan who was subject to a football banning order travelled abroad when England were playing an international match in Europe.

Blackburn magistrates heard that rather than watching the football Jacob Cox was sunning himself in the Spanish resort of Benidorm.

Cox, 22, of Holden Fold, Darwen, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the banning order. He was given a conditional discharge for six months and ordered to pay £85 costs and £21 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the three-year order was due to expire on December 29 and there had been no previous breaches.

"Football banning orders are quite onerous and he has complied for very nearly the full term," said Miss Allan.

When England played in the Czech Republic Cox should have surrendered his passport to the police or made an exemption request.

Cox said on the day of the match he was in Benidorm. "I know I was in the wrong," he said.