Arsenal fan who confronted Arsene Wenger at Southampton given three-year ban and fined £500

The incident happened on New Year's Day

Arsene Wenger is confronted by the fan

The Arsenal fan who confronted Arsene Wenger during their 2-0 defeat at Southampton on New Year’s Day has received a three-year ban from attending matches and a £500 fine.

Luke Bryant, 25, was formally charged by police on January 2nd for ‘going on to an area adjacent to the playing area’ contrary to the Football (Offences) Act 1991. The arrest came after a fan was seen apparently running with his arms outstretched in front of the Gunners' boss as he sat in the dugout late on in the game.

Bryant, who admitted the charge, offered an explanation for his actions to Southampton Magistrates Court: “It was sheer frustration at how the club [Arsenal] was doing. I just wanted my voice heard.”

“I got to the front of the subs stand. I was there for a few seconds,” he continued. “I stood there and shrugged my shoulders. I pointed towards the pitch to say it was not good enough and that was it.”

Arsenal’s defeat in Southampton came off the back of a five-match unbeaten run; a sequence of results that included four victories and a draw away to Liverpool.

The result saw Wenger’s side slip below rivals Tottenham into sixth spot, some 13 points off league leaders Chelsea.

Prosecuting Simon Jones said: “If Mr Bryant's frustration is with the way the club is being run then the court have to decide about further behaviour, as he said himself there is not going to be a change in management for the foreseeable future.”

Since the defeat at St Mary’s, Arsenal have won 11 of the following 12 Premier League matches and sit second in the division, ten points off Chelsea, with six matches to go. They have also reached the FA Cup final for the second consecutive year.

Bryant was also ordered to pay £200 in court costs.