A NEWPORT County fan was banned from any football match for three years after pleading guilty of intending to provoke violence after his club's clash with Cardiff City.

David Paul Gibson,41, of Fairoak Terrace, Newport, appeared at Cardiff magistrates court yesterday after being charged with using threatening abusive or insulting words and behaviour with intent to provoke violence.

He along with 10 other supporters were alleged to have been in a large group of fans clashing with a 40-man cordon outside Cardiff City’s Ninian Park ground after the FAW Premier Cup semi-final on February 19.

District Judge John Charles said Gibson had pleaded guilty to the offence but not at the earliest opportunity and only when he was presented with overwhelming evidence.

He said this is a serious offence where Gibson had been aggressive and kicked out, but didn’t physically make contact with anyone.

He said: “It’s unacceptable behaviour from a mature individual.”

Gibson was fined £750, ordered to pay £350 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

He was also given a football banning order for three years preventing him from going within 1500m of any stadium or regulated ground between five hours before the advertised kick off and five hours after the final whistle.

Following the case, football intelligence officer for the Welsh national football team, DC Simon Chivers, said Gibson narrowly missed prison. He said: “If supporters come with other intentions and there is any evidence of offences being committed the perpetrators will be pursued to the full extent of the law.

Mr Gibson was one of the main perpetrators of this disorder and consequently he is now banned from any football match for three years.”