A WREXHAM AFC fan who threw a punch at someone he thought was a rival supporter has been banned from attending games.

Jason North, of Mold Road, Ewloe Green, Flintshire, appeared before Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday (April 2). 

The 47-year-old admitted assaulting an unidentified man close to STōK Cae Ras when Wrexham AFC played Tranmere Rovers on March 16.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, said a small group of Tranmere Rovers fans were being escorted by the police when the incident occurred.

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It involved a man who North believed to be part of the group of Tranmere fans but was in fact simply "minding his own business".

CCTV footage played to the court showed the victim move to the side of the police cordon, and then North attempted to throw a punch which failed to connect.

The court heard said that the victim did not wish to make a formal complaint, as he was a fellow Wrexham AFC fan and that it was a "misunderstanding". 

The court heard from representatives of the probation service, who said North was highly intoxicated on the day - and has a problem with alcohol misuse.

They said that North's previous offending was linked to his alcohol misuse.

North is said to feel "ashamed" by his actions on the day.

He has suffered close family bereavements, including the recent loss of his mother, and has anxiety and depression. 

North was handed a three-year Football Banning Order and told he must complete a six-month alcohol treatment requirement. He was also fined £40.