A VIDEO posted on social media showed two men fighting on an all-weather pitch while a crowd on the other side rattled the fence and cheered them on.

Blackburn magistrates heard Ibrahim Badat and his opponent were actually friends and after the fight they shook hands and there had been no problems since. Badat, 33, of Bastwell Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour. He was fined £120 with £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge.

Joseph Broadsmith, prosecuting, said the video recording was taken by a member of the public and posted on social media.

He said people who had gathered on the outside of the astroturf pitch were shouting and encouraging the combatants. A third party eventually stepped between them and stopped the fight.

Zabair Afzal, defending, said the defendant and the other males had been involved in a bit of banter which got out of hand.

“They were goaded and spurred on by other friends to have a fight and they foolishly went along with it,” said Mr Afzal. “Following the fight they shook hands and were friends again.”