AN ALBION fan who staged a pitch invasion on live TV has been banned from football matches for three years.

Jack Wenham, 21, ran onto the pitch for a dare during the club’s Carling Cup game against Liverpool in September.

He jumped up and down with his arms in the air as Seagulls and Liverpool fans booed him during the game.

Wenham, of Norwich Drive, Bevendean, Brighton, was arrested after he was escorted from the field by stewards during the game which the Seagulls lost 2-1 at American Express Community Stadium.

He was handed an immediate ban from all Brighton and Hove Albion games by club bosses after the cup tie on September 21.

Wenham’s stupidity saw him given a three year football banning order during a hearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.

It prevents him from going to any regulated football match in England or Wales and from travelling to international matches abroad.

John Hunter, defending said: “Mr Wenham admits stupidity and that this was a foolish act that he was dared to do by a friend he was with."

Wenham is banned from drinking in pubs in Brighton six hours before and four hours after any Albion home game.

He is banned from being within ten miles of any stadium where the Seagulls are playing away during the same period.

He must surrender his passport if required before and during England away internationals.

Wenham was also fined £100 and ordered to pay a further £100 in legal costs.

PC Darren Balkham, a Sussex Police football intelligence officer said: “Thankfully, the 21,000 other fans at the game shown on live TV realised his stupidity.

"They dealt with the matter appropriately by booing him from the pitch turning him into the pantomime villain of the night.”