BURNLEY star defender Wayne Thomas gesticulated from the dugout at opposing fans and shoved a police officer, a court heard.

The Clarets player, 26, became involved in the incidents while with his former club Stoke City during their match at Millwall on February 19 last year, the court was told.

Thomas, of London Road, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, denies using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour and assaulting police Sergeant John D'Arcy in the execution of his duty.

Security supervisor Kevin Taylor told Bexley Magistrates' Court, south-east London, that towards the end of the match Thomas was gesticulating in the dugout. "He had one hand up, with the middle finger raised," he said.

Mr Taylor said there were some fans on the other side of the Perspex, who were making comments and generally goading.

"Normally you get banter. Obviously Mr Thomas had taken offence at whatever was being said."

There was "activity" on the bench and Thomas lowered his hand, Mr Taylor said.

"Two or three Millwall fans put their heads round the edge of the Perspex and carried on goading.

"Mr Thomas stood up and did the gesture again."

The match ended, and Thomas then pushed Sgt D'Arcy in the chest when he approached him, using abusive language, Mr Taylor said.

He added: "He put one hand on Sgt D'Arcy's chest and shoved him. He didn't fall over, he stayed on his feet."

Mr Taylor denied a suggestion from Mike Stephenson, defending, that Thomas had been gesturing to say 1-0, after Stoke won the match by that score.

"Not in my view, no, I only saw one arm raised," he said.

He could not say which arm it was.

Mr Stephenson pointed out to the witness that the officer himself said he had been pushed in the arm, not the chest.

(Proceeding)