A YOB said he regretted his role in violence which ignited after a recent Middlesbrough FC home game.

Sheffield United fan Richard Ball became the first person arrested after the trouble to be convicted by a court.

The 47-year-old raised his arm as if to attack an officer outside the Riverside stadium and repeatedly swore.

Sheffield United fans were enraged when the referee in the game on August 12 – Boro’s first home game of the season – failed to award what appeared to be a legitimate last minute equaliser with the away side trailing 1-0.

It sparked ugly scenes outside the ground with about 200 fans brawling and goading each other. Six people were subsequently arrested.

Ball, who wore a grey hoody and jeans, appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court and said: “I regret what happened, swearing and everything.”

The defendant, who said he earned £1,700 a month, admitted using threatening, abusive words/behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. He was fined £293 with £85 court costs to pay.

Ball, of Manor Oaks, Sheffield, who was not legally represented, offered to pay half immediately and the rest at the start of next month and this was accepted by the bench.

Magistrates said they were not minded to impose a football banning order on Ball meaning he is free to attend future games.