A BUSINESSMAN who threw chairs at opposing fans during clashes in the Czech Republic has been banned from going to football matches for three years.

Mark Jones, of Nunthorpe Gardens, Middlesbrough, is a self-employed information technology consultant who works across Europe.

The 40-year-old, who originally told officials he lived in Birmingham, contested the banning order application.

He accepted he had thrown two chairs at the match, but said it was in self-defence.

Teesside magistrates watched video footage that showed Jones involved in violent clashes between Middlesbrough and Banik Ostrava fans in the Bazaly Stadium in September.

Detective Sergeant Ian Fawcett, of Cleveland Police's football intelligence unit, told yesterday's hearing: "In the incident Jones is involved in, he throws two chairs at Banik Ostrava fans. As the Boro group grows in numbers, the Banik group grows in numbers. At no time could I say the Boro group were acting in self-defence.

"Jones was not there from the start of the fighting. He joined the group of his own volition.

"During the fighting, there were a number of seats being ripped out and thrown."

Mr Jones, who represented himself during the hearing at Teesside Magistrates' Court, said: "It was self-defence.

"I was drunk, and I know that is no excuse, I am old enough to know better. I am ashamed and embarrassed by it."

Magistrates chairman Pam Ross said: "We have seen the video and you accept you threw two chairs at rival supporters. The action was very reckless and you intended to cause harm."

Jones was banned from attending football matches in the UK for three years and ordered to pay £3,725 in costs within 56 days.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Jones said: "Cleveland Police detect 18.8 per cent of crime in the area, but for football banning orders, they have a 97.3 per cent detection rate.

"You can draw your own conclusions from that."