A JUDGE has issued a stern warning against football hooliganism, as a Carlisle United supporter failed in his appeal against a banning order. 

Calum Gearing, 20, was shown the red card by magistrates after being convicted of entering the field of play during a United away match in August. 

Gearing had leaped over a pitchside barrier at Hartlepool's Victoria Park amid euphoric scenes last year, as the visitors scored a late winning goal. 

Gearing admitted an encroachment offence and was fined at Carlisle Magistrates' Court in November. 

He was also given a three-year football banning order. 

This prevents him attending any matches regulated by the FA during that period. 

Specific conditions were imposed to keep the United season ticket holder away from his club's games. 

Gearing, of Woodville Way, Whitehaven, lodged an appeal against the banning order which was heard at Carlisle Crown Court. 

The court was told Gearing was one of three men who ran on to the pitch at Hartlepool to celebrate the winning goal. When later quizzed he fully admitted the offence. 

"He describes being thrilled," barrister Brendan Burke told the appeal hearing. 

"He patted the goalscorer on the back and then ran off again. 

"He ended the (police) interview by expressing his regret and saying it was a moment of madness." 

Intelligence suggested that Gearing was linked to a "problem group" which was seen to act provocatively and sought to engage in disorder. 

However, Mr Burke said there was, in Gearing's case, "an element of guilt by association". 

Greg Hoare, for Gearing, spoke of a man of otherwise good character. 

His season ticket had been suspended by Carlisle United following the offence but he had sincerely apologised to the club for his behaviour. 

Mr Hoare used the analogy of footballers being officially cautioned for removing their shirts during on-pitch celebrations. 

And of the banning order, he added: "My contention would be that this young man got a 'red card' for something that was really only worth a 'yellow'." 

But Judge Peter Hughes QC disagreed and concluded the three-year ban should stay in force. 

"It is quite apparent from CCTV footage we have seen (of the Hartlepool game) that there is a worrying problem of deeply unattractive behaviour by Carlisle supporters at away games. 

"It is something that the club themselves ought to seek to deal with. 

"The message needs to be expressed, loudly and clearly, that if Carlisle supporters behave badly - whether it be at a home game or away game - and commit an offence contrary to the Football Spectators Act, then the consequences for them are likely to be severe and that a football banning order will inevitably result."

The judge added: "It is hoped it will be seen as an object lesson by the Carlisle fans and thereby help to prevent violence and disorder at future football matches."