A FOOTBALL fan has been banned from attending matches for three years after he was caught drunk at an Oxford United match in December.

Martin East, 36, attended a game in the stadium off Grenoble Road on December 29 last year where the Yellows were playing against Derby County.

However, East was charged with assault by beating of Michael Casey.

READ MORE: Man filmed woman on spy camera before sniffing her underwear

He was also charged with being drunk in a sports ground.

After pleading guilty to the offences in January this year, he appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (February 13) where he received a three-year football banning order.

A football banning order prohibits a person from attending a regulated football match.

READ MORE: Murder trial sees photos from phone 'showing sexual interest in violence'

Bans can be ordered for up to a decade with three years being the minimum term someone can receive from the magistrates’ court.

He was also ordered to pay £100 in compensation, a £114 victim surcharge and £25 in court costs.

East, of Weyland Road, Oxford, was also charged with throwing a bottle in an area where other sports fans were sitting at the time but this charge was dropped at an earlier hearing in court.

Dedicated football officer, PC Alex Locke, said: “I welcome the court imposing this banning order following the offences.

“Football banning orders not only restrict supporters convicted of football-related offences watching the team they follow but they apply to all regulated football matches in the United Kingdom and some international matches and tournaments as well.

“Football matches should be a safe place for all people and Thames Valley Police will always deal with incidents at football matches seriously and apply for Football Banning Orders where appropriate.”