Four Oxford United fans who were caught on film invading the pitch after a crucial cup tie have been banned from football matches for five months, writes Nick Evans.

Robert Kitchin, of Maple Well, Stonesfield; Stuart Gallagher, of Dunsden Close, Didcot; Allan Stimpson, of Botley Road, Littlemore, and James Lennon, of St Clements, Oxford, all pleaded guilty to charges of pitch invasion under the Football Offences Act 1994 at Oxford Magistrates' Court yesterday. They were each fined £60 and ordered to pay £40 costs. The case against four other fans was adjourned until May 28 and a youth was bailed to appear before youth court on June 2.

The charges followed a pitch invasion at Oxford United's FA Cup tie against Chelsea at the Manor Ground in Headington in January after a last-minute penalty was awarded to the visitors. The court was shown a video during which fans could be seen streaming on to the pitch from the London Road End and making their way towards the Chelsea supporters.

Charlotte Saunders, prosecuting, said: "When the match finished, a large number of Oxford supporters ran on to the pitch from the London Road End. There were about 150 to 200, some running as far as the half-way line and making gestures to the Chelsea supporters."

Story date: Wednesday 12 May

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