A Dover Athletic supporter lashed out at a rival fan after he was taunted about his size at a match last month.
Mark Culley, of Glebelands in Alkham, was watching his side take on Macclesfield Town in a National League clash at Crabble on Saturday, March 17 when the incident happened.
The 37-year-old was in the clubhouse bar at half-time when chants started going back and forth between both sets of fans shortly before 4pm.
Folkestone Magistrates’ Court heard today (April 4) how Culley then became angry over the words directed towards him before attacking opposition supporter Ross Elliott.
Leanne James, prosecuting, said: “Mr Culley took offence at what was being chanted and became aggressive towards Macclesfield Town supporters.
“He walked over to Mr Elliott, swung his fist at him and punched him in the mouth.
During police interview, Culley described how there was “banter” going on when one of the Macclesfield supporters “called him fat”.
Culley pleaded guilty to assault by beating.
Defending solicitor Hugh Roberts said: “Mr Culley is quite well-known for supporting Dover and this kind of behaviour is not his usual behaviour.
“He was insulted due to his size and was foolish enough to retaliate to that.
District Judge Justin Barron said: “Obviously any sort of violence during a football match is taken seriously but you do seem to me genuinely regretful.
Culley was ordered to pay a total of £735, which included a £500 fine, £85 in costs, a £50 surcharge and £100 in compensation to the victim.
A spokesman for Dover Athletic Football Club said they would not comment on the case.
On the field, The Whites won the game 2-0 against the league leaders in snowy conditions thanks to first-half goals from Keanu Marsh-Brown.