A MIDDLE-aged soccer "yob" - described as an "Accrington Stanley hooligan" - has been given a three year football banning order after a confrontation with police outside Burnley FC's Turf Moor ground.

Magistrates heard how Clarets season ticket holder Gary Taylor, 41, from Oswaldtwistle, had no previous convictions - but he was described by police as an "Accrington Stanley hooligan".

The father of three had swung his arm back to break free from an officer after a gang of Burnley supporters had been abusing and gesticulating at rival Preston North End fans as they headed for coaches after a match.

At Burnley Magistrates Court he admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour on March 6. It was his first criminal conviction but, the court was told, he had been cautioned in August last year for a similar allegation.

The defendant, of Stanhill Lane, was also fined £100, with £35 costs.

Mercedah Jabbari, prosecuting, told the court a large group of Clarets supporters were on Belvedere Road at 5pm. They were "vociferous", shouting abuse and gesticulating towards Preston fans. A police officer took hold of Taylor' s arm to push him down the road and told him to keep moving. The defendant turned to him, swung his arm, was offensive and was arrested, cautioned and handcuffed.

The defendant later told police he accepted the officer was trying to do his job, his reaction was unacceptable and he was sorry..

Sajjad Karim, defending, told the court there was nothing to substantiate that the order was necessary, based on the defendant's past record.