Manchester derby fan given three-year ban from attending matches

The Manchester City supporter who angrily confronted Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand at the Etihad Stadium last month has been given a three-year ban from attending matches.

The individual ran onto the pitch after Robin van Persie netted the late winner in the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium but was restrained by City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Matthew Stott, 21, of Southfields in Cheshire, was informed that his actions were close to resulting in a prison sentence but a 56-day jail term has been suspended for 12 months.

Stott admitted to encroaching on the field of play and using insulting words or behaviour.