A BOLTON Wanderers fan was stood on by a police horse during an after the match disturbance as fans were being escorted away from Ewood Park on Easter Monday.

And Blackburn magistrates heard that when Richard Sumner's brother got involved he was knocked to the ground and stood on by a police officer.

Sumner, aged 32, of Duncombe Road, Bolton, and Steven Sumner, aged 37, of Claike Crescent, Little Hulton, both pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour. They were given an absolute discharge and ordered to pay £30 towards the prosecution costs.

Peter Wild, prosecuting, said there was an altercation and Richard Sumner was seen trying to push past an officer. He was told to stop, there was some pushing and shoving and Steven Sumner got involved.

Elliott Taylforth, defending, said both men were of previous good character and it was with some reluctance that they had pleaded guilty. He said both men were Bolton season ticket holders and following the goalless draw at Ewood it was the visiting supporters who were in better spirits.

"I have been to away games and experienced the way away fans can be dealt with by the stewards in particular and the police as well," said Mr Taylforth.

"A police horse came charging through, almost knocking them to the ground and they remonstrated with the officer."

Mr Taylforth said that while still in the saddle the officer took hold of Richard Sumner by his T-shirt. "I am not sure if that is how things should be done but the end result was that Richard Sumner was stood on by the horse," said Mr Taylforth. "Steven was also knocked to the ground and he was stood on by a police officer. Both of them had medical treatment."