A MIDDLESBROUGH football fan has received a three-year banning order after he admitted racially abusing one of his team's players.

David Harton, 23, pleaded guilty to using racially aggravated threatening words and behaviour when he appeared before Teesside magistrates yesterday.

The court heard that Harton shouted abuse at Middlesbrough's Jason Euell during the goalless draw between Boro and Liverpool on Saturday, November 18. He was ejected from his seat by a steward and arrested.

David Scourfield, defending, said although the prosecution had alleged that people sitting near Harton may have been offended by his comments, no one had complained.

He said: "My client was disappointed at the lack of effort from the Boro players. Having watched the game on television myself, I have to agree with his sentiments."

Mr Scourfield added: "The defendant apologised straight away. He did not argue with the steward or obstruct the police.

"He is very sorry. He is not a violent or racially motivated man. He accepts he was wrong and will watch his behaviour very closely in future."

Fining Harton £120, the chairman of the bench, Geoff Brown, told him that his remorse and previous good character had saved him from a heavier fine.

But he added that the bench had agreed that he should serve a three-year football banning order.

It means that Harton is prevented from attending any regulated football match in England and Wales, and will have to surrender his passport before certain games played abroad.

Mr Brown said: "We are satisfied this will help prevent disorder at or in connection with football matches."

Speaking after the hearing, Harton, of Ottowa Road, Middlesbrough - who has had a season ticket at the Riverside for ten years - said he felt the banning order was harsh.

He said: "When you think about it, that lad ran on the pitch last season and threw his season ticket at the manager, and he got away with it. But I stood up and shouted one thing and have got banned for three years.

"Maybe they should have made it five years, at least by then Southgate's contract will be up."