Stevenage fan jailed

A FOOTBALL fan who ran on to a pitch and punched a player was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison yesterday. Robert Fitzgerald, 24, was also banned from attending regulated football matches in England and Wales for six years after assaulting Stevenage defender Scott Laird.

Last month, Fitzgerald admitted invading the pitch and punching Laird as fans celebrated the club's 3-1 win against Newcastle United in the FA Cup on 8 January.

The altercation, which was captured by TV cameras, occurred because the player had previously had a relationship with Fitzgerald's current girlfriend and "not treated her correctly", Stevenage Magistrates' Court was told.