A SCHOOLBOY who invaded a football pitch and punched Bury goalkeeper Cameron Belford has become one of the youngest fans ever to receive a banning order.

The boy, who was 13 at the time and is now 14, was spared custody after admitting assaulting the player during the Shakers’ League Two game at Chesterfield on April 25.

On Tuesday, Chesterfield youth court imposed a three-year football banning order.

Presiding magistrate Linda Brooks said the bench had spared him custody because of his age and lack of previous convictions. She gave him a one-year referral order, with £100 compensation to Mr Belford and £85 costs.

A large number of fans ran on to the pitch after Chesterfield scored an equalising goal in the match, which Bury went on to win 3-2 and clinch promotion to League One.

Mrs Helen Griffiths, prosecuting, said: "Mr Belford said he felt general jostling and he then felt a direct blow of medium force to the right side of his face.

"This caused him worry and concern because he had recently been treated for a fractured right cheekbone and had had a plate inserted.

“He didn't see who punched him. He suffered a small cut to his right eyebrow and swelling and tenderness around the eye and cheekbone.”

The incident attracted national publicity and the boy later handed himself in to police.

During an interview he said the victim had been "winding up" Chesterfield fans and behaving in a "cocky" fashion towards the crowd after making saves. But he accepted that did not justify his actions, which he agreed were wrong.

Defending solicitor Kevin Tomlinson said that the boy's father had encouraged him to go to matches to get him out of the house.

"His parents describe his normal activities as quite boring. He plays on his X-Box, does his homework, and occasionally goes out with a couple of friends.

"He had been to four or five games before this match. Chesterfield scored and he suddenly and stupidly went on the pitch.

"That was bad enough but why he went up to the goalkeeper and punched him is beyond his family's comprehension.

“He can't understand it himself. He has written letters of apology to both football clubs and he has decided he won't be going to football matches in any event."

The teenager, who cannot be identified because of his age, told the court: "It's hard to come to terms with it — I just got carried away."

His parents said the offence had shocked the family and caused them great upset and disappointment. His father said: "He's a good lad really. It was totally out of character."

A spokesman for Bury FC said yesterday: “We don’t wish to comment as the matter is done and dusted and we’ve moved forward since then.”