A soccer fan who got on to the pitch at Priestfield after his team scored a goal against Gillingham FC has avoided a football banning order as his own club had banned him from their games for the rest of the season.

Luke Chilton, 20, pictured, travelled to Gillingham on November 5, to see his team, Brackley Town FC play in an FA Cup match that ended in a draw.

While in the stands with his father, his team scored a second goal and Chilton was seen jumping over a barrier and getting on to the pitch.

He was stopped by stewards and ejected. He was arrested and charged with going on to a playing area at a football match.

Chilton, of Brackley, Northamptonshire, pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court.

Chilton told the court he only ran on to the pitch as there was a group of people celebrating and his dad was in the middle of the group and he was worried for his safety.

He told the bench: “It was a bad decision and I will not do it again.”

The apprentice plumber, produced a letter from Brackley vouching for his good character.

He was fined £200 with £85 costs.

Angela Howe, chairman of the bench, added: “In view of the fact your local football club have sent a reference letter stating your actions were out of character and you have been banned for the season, we will not issue a three-year football banning order.

“Prove us right.”