AN ALBION fan who ran onto the Amex pitch and made the “w***er sign” at Crystal Palace supporters has been given a three-year football banning order and told to pay more than £500.

Jacob Hemsley, 24, of Amaryllis Road, Burgess Hill, told Brighton Magistrates’ court that his actions were “in the moment” and something he “regretted”.

Victoria Grey, prosecuting, told the court that Hemsley was in the South West corner of the West Stand on January 14 this year before he ran onto the pitch towards the South Stand “making certain gesticulations”.

She said he then ran in front of the goal near the away fans, before losing his balance.

“He got up and went behind the goal to where the Crystal Palace fans were and again made certain gesticulations."

She added: “One of these is commonly known as the ‘w***er sign.”

Hemsley, who pleaded guilty to the offence, was chased by stewards but managed to evade them before running back across the pitch and returning to the West Stand.

“The stewards waited until half-time and then found him,” said Ms Grey. “He was then handed to police and arrested.”

Helmsley, who represented himself in court, told district judge Amanda Kelly he wanted to apologise for invading the pitch.

“I’d had a couple of beers – one or two – and just decided to run onto the pitch,” he told the judge. “It wasn’t something I planned, and I regretted it as soon as I did it.

“I’m not a regular football fan. This was the first time I’d been to a match in five years.”

Ms Grey told the court there was “history” between the two clubs which made the gesticulation more inflammatory.

District judge Amanda Kelly said “making the w***er” sign in front of families and children made it a “very serious offence”.

She said she was imposing a banning order and a £400 fine in the hope it would deter others from running onto the pitch during football matches.

“This was a serious slip up [and] I hope you have learned your lesson,” said the judge.

The banning order means Hemsley will be unable to attend any Brighton or England matches in the UK or abroad for the next three years.

He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £40 and costs of £85. He was also warned that breaching the ban could result in six months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

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