Footy fan banned . . . for a £50 bet

MANCHESTER City have slapped a life ban on Lance McCaffrey who ran on to the pitch during a pre-season friendly for a £50 bet.

As if that weren’t bad enough, the 28-year-old, dyed-in-the-wool blue, is still waiting for his winnings.

And the city’s magistrates imposed more misery by banning him from all games in England and Wales for three years.

McCaffrey, of Christchurch Court, Derby Street, Werneth, pleaded guilty to unlawfully going on to the pitch and was fined £100 plus £60 costs.

After the case he said the ban would cause heartache for his five-year-old son Connor: “I take Connor to all the games at Eastlands and he is going to be devastated,” he said.

His lawyer, David Lees, said that after the arrest, during the game against Italian giants AC Milan on August 9, the club immediately banned him from the ground for life.

The court heard that the ‘dare’ to invade the pitch was made by his brother and his mates.

“They have so far refused to honour the £50 wager and I will be having a serious chat with my brother,” said McCaffrey.

“I’m gutted by the ban. I had no idea I could end up in court. I have already written to the club apologising for my behaviour and I hope that they will reduce the ban.”

Prosecutor Mark Holmes said McCaffrey had pulled his city shirt over his head in front of 25,000 fans. He than ran around the pitch in a mock goal celebration.

Mr Lees said McCaffrey, a sheet metal worker, had had a few drinks before the game but no violence was involved. He had accepted the bet to impress his mates.

Imposing the banning order, court chairman James Fairclough said: “We are satisfied it will help prevent violence and disorder at matches.”