THE man who punched a police horse on the nose during riots which erupted following the Tyne-Wear derby has apologised for his behaviour.

Jobless Barry Rogerson, 45, was filmed hitting the horse after Sunderland beat Newcastle 3-0 on Sunday.

Following the game, there was wide-spread disorder in Newcastle city centre as Toon fans clashed with Sunderland supporters and police.

Mr Rogerson, an ex-planning controller who has been unemployed for eight years, said: "I never had any intention of getting involved in any riots, I was going to the next bar and I was in the middle of it all.

"Someone let a fire-cracker off and the horse was charging towards me.

"I just reacted stupidly, I realised what I had done once I was on the floor with police.

"The officers tripped me up, which is why I had blood on my nose, it was all a blur.

"My friend came across and wiped the blood off my nose. I didn't start out to do it.

"I was trying to get the horse away. I definitely regret it, it is my first offence and I am 45-years-old."

When asked why he was wearing a scarf around his neck the father-of-one said: "It looks bad, but my filling fell out and it was cold on Sunday.

"I have had lots of messages, mostly on Facebook and Twitter, there are 700 animal activists after my address.

"I wasn't drunk, I had two pints before the match and a bottle at half time.

The police were fine. They said thank you for being honest and polite.

"I am sorry for hitting the horse, and I am sorry for the whole incident. I have embarrassed myself and my family."

Rogerson, of Morpeth, Northumberland was wrestled to the ground by an officer after punching police horse Bud, who is said to have made a full recovery following the incident.

He has been bailed until May.