A NORTH-East football fan has admitted storming on to a pitch and throwing his season ticket at a manager.

But the 33-year-old will have to wait another two-and-a-half weeks before he learns his fate - which could include a banning order.

Mark Davison, of Wheatley Hill, County Durham, appeared before Teesside Magistrates, in Middlesbrough, yesterday, charged with entering the playing area during Middlesbrough's home game against Aston Villa on February 4.

The Boro supporter pleaded guilty to entering the field without lawful authority or excuse during the football match at the Riverside Stadium.

Following the incident Davison said his emotions had taken over when Aston Villa's fourth goal went in and he hurled his 390 season ticket at manager Steve McClaren.

His solicitor Marie Mallon asked the bench for an adjournment. She said the CPS, with the assistance of the police, were considering a banning order and more time was needed for both sides to prepare.

Magistrates adjourned the case until Friday March 3.

Chairman of the bench Leo Murphy told the defendant: "We are aware of the circumstances and we have noted that you have made your plea early and that is to your credit. The circumstances around the rest of the sentencing matters require full consultation so we are prepared to adjourn it for a fortnight."

Magistrates granted Davison conditional bail, which bars him from entering the Riverside Stadium.

But this will come as a sharp blow to the dedicated fan who will miss out on Middlesbrough's home game against German side Stuttgart in the last 32 of the UEFA cup on February 23.

And the outcome of the case on March 3 will decide whether Mr Davison can attend Boro's home game against Birmingham the following day.

Mr Davison declined to comment.

Following the incident Boro spokesman Dave Allan said: "We would ask supporters to be aware that it is an arrestable offence to invade the pitch. We understand that tensions are running high at present, but would warn fans against pitch incursion as this will result in their arrest by the police."

Under the Football (Offences) Act 1991 it is an arrestable offence to enter onto the playing area or any adjacent area to which spectators are not generally admitted without lawful authority.

Conviction may result in a Banning Order.