TWO football fans have been banned from matches for three years after an incident at the Reynolds Arena, in Darlington.

Jamie Hinde, 26, of Pateley Moor Crescent, Darlington, and Neil Keith Bingham, 31, of Firthmoor Crescent, Darlington, admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and going into an area prohibited by spectators without lawful excuse on January 10.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting at Darlington Magistrates' Court, said: "The two defendants were at a match at the Reynolds Arena. Darlington were losing, then they scored.

"The defendants were standing in front of the East Stand, waving their arms in a provocative manner, provoking the Hull City fans, and a serious public order situation was at risk of developing.

"Both defendants smelt of intoxicating liquor."

Bruce Cunningham, in mitigation for the pair, said: "They were returning to their seats having been to the toilet and Darlington scored. In fact, the goal was disallowed, I believe. Both men accept that in their exaltation to see their team score, they celebrated.

"The sort of gesture they made was one of exaltation, one you will see in many football grounds across the country.

"They were standing in front of the Hull City supporters, but I have some difficulty in accepting what they did was intending to cause unlawful violence or provocation.

"Mr Bingham is a lifelong Darlington supporter and he was actually with his ten-year-old son at the match.

"They accepted they were a bit out of order, but there is bound to be excitement generated at a football match. That is the point -to generate excitement."

Magistrates ordered them to pay £150 fines and £43 costs and banned them from football matches for three years