AN “UNPRECEDENTED” jail sentence given to an Oxford United fan for holding an unlit smoke bomb has been labelled “completely over the top”.

Carl Wells was caught with the device in the stands when the U’s played Plymouth Argyle in Devon on April 21.

He admitted possessing a firework or flare at a sporting event in view of the pitch and was locked up for two months at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old fan, who has no previous football convictions, was also given a six-year banning order, preventing him from attending any professional football match until 2018.

District Judge Maurice Champion said: “This was an appalling act of utter recklessness.

“If that grenade had gone off in that stadium I can’t even begin to think what would have happened.”

Season ticket holder Wells, of Cherwell Road, Berinsfield, is set to appeal against the sentence.

His brother Ryan said: “I was shocked when I heard. It’s pathetic, just completely over the top. You see teams in other countries with flares and fireworks, but this was a smoke bomb that wasn’t even lit.”

Amanda Jacks, of the Football Supporters’ Federation, said: “I think they’ve made an example of this man in the hope it sends out a strong message.

“I don’t believe the sentence is particularly proportionate.”

District Judge Champion added: “Football is family entertainment and having this sort of weapon could cause a degree of confusion.”