Stoke City fan 'gets four-year ban for setting off flare against Liverpool'

A Stoke City supporter has reportedly been given a four-year ban from all stadiums in Britain after setting off a flare at Anfield during a Premier League clash against Liverpool.

Paul Mottram was arrested and charged by Merseyside Police after igniting a smoke bomb during the Potters' 1-0 defeat to the Reds on the opening day of the campaign.

The 40-year-old from Stoke-On-Trent was handed the banning order at North Liverpool Community Justice Centre, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Reports have claimed that the fumes from the smoke could be smelt from the other end of the stadium.