TWO Darlington football fans could face a blanket ban from matches for at least three years after being involved in a fight with Carlisle supporters, a court heard yesterday.

Paul Robson, 33, of Barningham Street, and Michael David Watson, 31, of Cumberland Street, both Darlington, admitted using threatening behaviour when they appeared before magistrates in the town.

James Thomas, prosecuting, said: "Police officers were patrolling the Neasham Road area at about 5.15pm when a disturbance took place outside the Copper Beech pub involving about 15 men from Darlington and Carlisle.

"Both of the officers tried their best to split them up, but some of the Darlington fans ran after some of the Carlisle fans."

He said the trouble started near a car. A woman inside began having breathing problems and an ambulance had to be called.

"Then a bus stopped near to the Carlisle group and the officers saw the two defendants get off and run at the group of Carlisle fans and start to punch out at them.

Peter Boddy, defending, said: "These defendants had not actually been to the game. They met in the Copper Beech to watch the England match."

Mr Boddy told magistrates that the passing Carlisle fans had made a comment about Watson's mother, which upset him because his mother was ill.

The court heard the pair then decided to go into town, but on the bus passed the Carlisle fan who had made the comment.

They got off the bus and ran towards him and his group before being arrested by police.

Magistrates adjourned the case until November 18 for reports to be prepared.