AN OXFORD United fan who admitted being part of Sunday’s pitch invasion has defended his part in a scuffle involving his daughter in the Oxford Mail stand.

Darren, who refused to give his surname, tonight reacted to comments in today’s Oxford Mail by Barry Gibbs, from Wootton, near Abingdon, who said his daughter Rachel, 16, was attacked by another girl.

Darren said: “He came down to abuse me. I told him to go away, because we wanted to leave.

“I couldn’t believe the language she was coming out with and my daughter and I did react, but for them to say we attacked them... it’s ridiculous.”

Explaining his decision to go on the pitch, he added: “It was just over-exuberance.

"I’ve been supporting Oxford for 30 years. I don’t usually do things like that, it was rather silly but the abuse I took was disgusting.

“Maybe we should all get a slap on the wrist, but I don’t think people deserve three-year banning orders.”

Mr Gibbs and the club were unavailable for comment tonight