A football fan has been found not guilty of assault by beating following an incident outside a stadium last season.
Graham Riches, 50, of Dyer Close, Horsford, near Norwich, had previously admitted to obstructing two police officers and possessing a class A drug, though he denied the assault charge.
The charges stemmed from an incident at Norwich City’s Carrow Road stadium after the team’s 0-0 play-off draw against Leeds United on 12 May.
Following a one-day trial at Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court, Riches was acquitted of assault by beating. He was, however, fined £891 for the other offences and handed a three-year football banning order.
The court heard that a man reported being punched and suffering a cut to his chin, which was believed to have been caused by a drink can thrown at him.
Paramedics attended to the man at the scene, and he did not require any further medical treatment.
Riches, who had attended the match with his son, told the court he was “concerned about my son’s safety” when he witnessed two men attempting to “headbutt” him.
Prosecutor Paul Roach argued that Riches had thrown a “premeditated” and “intentional” punch.
However, magistrate Paul Frary stated that the man who had been punched was in an “angry, agitated state,” and Riches “did hold an honest belief” that his son was in danger.
