A CARLISLE United fan who threw a missile towards Bradford City supporters amid a euphoric pitch invasion after his side’s play-off semi-final victory has been spared a lengthy ban from watching his team play.

Jordan White, 25, offered apologies to newly-promoted United as he appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced following an incident after the high profile match at Brunton Park on May 20.

United had beaten Bradford City in front of a bumper 15,000-plus crowd to book their place at Wembley for the League 2 play-off final.

Prosecutor Glenn Anderton told magistrates of jubilant scenes at the final whistle: “There is a pitch invasion of fans from Carlisle who are clearly celebrating. However, matters escalate and fans go to the away end containing Bradford supporters.”

CCTV footage showed a line of police officers seeking to prevent them getting too close to that section, and also White’s illegal act.

“In relation to this defendant he is seen with a full Lucozade bottle, launching it towards fans in the Bradford City area,” said Mr Anderton. “I’m told it didn’t hit anybody. I’m told it hit some netting at the side of the pitch.”

Because the culprit’s identity was not known, police issued a social media appeal for information along with a CCTV still.

“The defendant himself saw the footage and contacted the police,” said the prosecutor. White admitted he was the person in the picture and had thrown the bottle after finding it on the pitch.

Mr Anderton added: “He indicated he had been drinking in a number of establishments before the game and had around four or five pints.”

In court White, of Holmacres Drive, Carlisle, admitted a charge of throwing a missile at a spectator area. He had no previous criminal convictions to his name.

Speaking in his own defence, White said: “I just want to apologise to Carlisle United for what I did. I’ve let my family down. I’ve been going to Carlisle games home and and away for I don’t know how long — a long time.”

It had been, he said, a “heat of the moment” act. And he added: “It is a mistake I have got to live with.”

Police had sought the imposition of a football banning order which would have prevented White attended any UK football matches for three years.

Magistrates were told by their legal advisor that such an order must be made if they were satisfied there were reasonable grounds to believe it would prevent match-related violence or disorder.

But after retiring briefly, magistrates decided not to impose the order in light of White’s remorse and lack of previous offending. “You don’t appear to have any propensity for this sort of behaviour,” said lead magistrate David Wilson “We are not going to make this order.” But Mr Wilson added: “As you can realise now there are consequences to this sorts of behaviour.”

White replied: “I can promise you I won’t be back in here.” He was fined £246 and must pay £85 costs and a £98 mandatory surcharge.