A ROWDY football fan has been jailed for 12 months for punching a police horse after a derby day match.

A ROWDY football fan has been jailed for 12 months for punching a police horse after a derby day match.

Newcastle United supporter Barry Rogerson attacked the animal after a football match at St James’ Park between Newcastle and Sunderland on April 14. The 45-year-old, who pleaded guilty to the charge of violent disorder, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and handed a six year footballing ban at Newcastle Crown Court today. His Honour Judge Paul Sloan QC, sentencing Barry Rogerson said: “You attended the football match and by the time the match ended you were worse for wear from drinking while taking your medication. “You started clapping into the horses face. The police horse then started moving towards you, you were told to move back by the officer.” The judge warned Rogerson that his actions influenced by excessive drinking could have injured himself and others. He said: “You had plenty opportunity to move away but punched the horse in the head. There was a risk of serious injury from what you did. “That officer could have been thrown from the horse causing serious injury. “On this particular occasion you drank far more than you should have.” From video footage, Rogerson is seen trying to fight the horse as police attempt to combat trouble between fans after the match. Rogerson was one of seven men that pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Newcastle Crown Court following the incident and all were jailed. The case comes three days before the next clash between the two rivals held in Sunderland on Sunday.   READ MORE