A football fan was spared a ban after admitting an attack at a match.

Samuel Beeney, 29, assaulted an unknown man at an Albion home game against Crystal Palace in February.

The game was heavily policed with Palace fans being escorted to and from the stadium over fears of disorder.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police were also drafted in for the game.

Albion lost the game after a goal in the 70th minute, in front of a sell-out crowd at the American Express Community Stadium in Falmer before the coronavirus lockdown.

Beeney appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court where he admitted assault.

He was ordered to pay a £153 fine, a £32 surcharge and £85 costs over the incident.

Magistrate John Stanbridge did not impose a “banning order” on Beeney, of Guildford Road, Rustington.

He said: “The court is not satisfied that a banning order would help to prevent violence or disorder at any regulated football match.”

His decision was based on Beeney’s previous good character and remorse, and the lack of an identified victim in the case.

You can keep informed of court reports on our Facebook page here: Sussex crime and court watch.