A FOOTBALL supporter who sprayed hot water over a stadium worker at an Ipswich Town game has been banned from watching live matches for three years.

A FOOTBALL supporter who sprayed hot water over a stadium worker at an Ipswich Town game has been banned from watching live matches for three years.

Frank McFarlane became violent at the Ipswich versus Colchester match at Portman Road on August 26 when his request for booze was turned down.

Lesla Small, prosecuting at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court, said the club had decided before the league cup match not to sell alcohol because of “a high risk of trouble” at the local derby.

She said Gary Emmerson was working behind a food area when McFarlane approached him.

Ms Small said: “He asked for alcohol and was told he could not have any.

“He picked up a hot water dispenser, directed it towards Mr Emmerson and pressed the red button spraying water all over him.

“Mr Emmerson had to pull his top away from him so it would not burn him.”

She added that 21-year-old McFarlane, of Newmans Drive, Boxted, Colchester, became hostile towards police when they tried to arrest him.

McFarlane, a lorry driver, pleaded guilty to common assault and resisting arrest.

McFarlane, who had a previous conviction for assault, was banned from football matches for three years.

He was also fined £350 told to pay £250 compensation to Mr Emmerson and £65 towards court costs.

Have you been a victim of football violence? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk