A FANATICAL Albion supporter murdered a mild-mannered father because he supported West Ham, a court heard today.

Leigh Shaw, 37, died after being hit by a sock filled with balls from a pool table, Lewes Crown Court was told.

The attack was said to be almost a re-enactment of a scene from a film called ID, about football hooliganism.

Mr Shaw died in a pool of blood after leaving the Valley Social Club in Whitehawk Way, Brighton. Two men from Whitehawk are charged with his murder on October 31, 1997.

Ryan Bish, 23, of Limney Road, and Colin Stacey, 30, of Plaistow Close, both deny murder.

Stacey also denies wounding Leigh Shaw on October 30.

Heather Hallett QC, prosecuting, said "good-natured, mild-mannered family man" Mr Shaw had gone to the club for a drink with friends.

Stacey overheard Mr Shaw talking about football.

Said Miss Hallett: "Stacey is a fanatical Brighton and Hove Albion supporter and has Seagulls tattooed on his chest. He heard Leigh Shaw talking about West Ham and did not like what he heard."

Miss Hallett said Stacey started shouting a chant "Shadwell" from the film ID. People tried to calm him down.

Leigh Shaw, who also lived in Plaistow Close and was a well known Sussex footballer, having played for Saltdean United, tried to placate Stacey.

The trial continues.

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