NEWCASTLE fan Barry Rogerson achieved instant infamy when he punched a horse after a Tyne-Wear derby in April 2013.
The Toon had just lost 3-0 to Sunderland at St James’ Park when Rogerson struck out.
He went on to claim that he acted in “self defence” but would serve jail time for his actions.
After striking the West Yorkshire horse named Bud, Rogerson was sentenced to a year behind bars.
He would only have to serve a few weeks, but was slapped with a six-year ban from going to football matches.
Rogerson tried to explain his actions while appearing on the BBC later in 2013.
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He said: “I think I went to stop it with my left hand on its neck and I’ve punched it on the nose and I was stupid.”
The Toon fan then added: “Self-defence. I mean the horse was bolting at us. It panicked, I panicked and it was just an instant reaction.
“I wasn’t intending to hurt the horse, I mean I don’t think I did hurt the horse. But it wasn’t intent, it just happened.”
Bud worked for the West Yorkshire Police at the time before later transferring to the Met.
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He sadly died in 2020 under a year after his move to London.
During the infamous incident, Rogerson could be seen wearing a scarf wrapped around his face.
Attempting to explain why, he added: “My filling dropped out and the cold air was getting in. It sounds a feeble excuse but that’s the truth.
“I’m sorry but that is the truth. It was a cold day, cold windy day and that nerve was open to the air and I just pulled the scarf up.”
He then claimed: “It makes us look like a right thug, I agree with you. But I’m not a thug.
“I’ve never been involved with football hooligans or whatever and I’ve never been in trouble before.”
Rogerson did later admit in court that he’d worn the scarf to try to hide his identity.
Newcastle face Sunderland for the first time in nearly eight years later today, the two sides meeting in the FA Cup third round.
The Black Cats find themselves a league below the Toon, but are unbeaten in their last eight derby meetings.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
