A SOCCER fan has been given a three-year football banning order after a confrontation before the Blackburn verses Burnley clash.

Stephen Caddy, 45, of Reed Street, Burnley, was described as suffering from depression and alcoholism when he appeared before Hyndburn Magistrates yesterday.

Caddy was said to be drunk before The FA Cup replay at Ewood park when he was part of a group escorted to the ground by police.

The court was told how he shouted abuse to a group across the road.

When approached about his behaviour he told the officer: "You can't stop us today. We are out to do some damage."

Philip Turner, defending, said it was 10 years since his last public order offence and he was not a known football hooligan.

Magistrates imposed a three year football banning order preventing him from attending any matches in England and Wales.

He was also fined £60 after admitting threatening behaviour and ordered to pay £40 costs.

Four other men involved in public order offences have had their cases adjourned until later dates.

Jonathan Bullcock, 39, of Standen Hall Drive, Burnley, Neil Dobson, 44, of Tabor Street, Burnley, and Tony Crookshanks, 26, of Henry Street, Rishton all pleaded not guilty to public order offences relating to incidents at the Blackburn v Burnley game.

Craig Whittaker, 22, of Reed Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to a public order offence and had his case adjourned until April 6 for video evidence to be presented to the court.