Fan admits crime of passion (sort of)

(REUTERS)

A Stevenage supporter has admitted punching the club's defender, Scott Laird, after the FA Cup victory over Newcastle United earlier this month.

Robert Fitzgerald, 24, admitted invading the pitch after the match on 8 January and striking Laird as supporters celebrated on the pitch with the players. The incident was caught on TV cameras.

Fitzgerald yesterday told Stevenage Magistrates' Court that he punched Laird as the defender had previously had a relationship with his girlfriend and had "not treated her correctly".