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Aston Villa fan banned from games after trying to fight West Brom fans at FA Cup derby

An Aston Villa supporter who launched himself at visiting West Bromwich Albion fans during the trouble-hit FA Cup derby has been banned from matches for three years.

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Gary Tucker, 27, was handed the order for his involvement in disorder which dated back to 2010, said West Midlands Police

At last March's FA Cup game, Tucker was said to have launched himself at visiting fans near the away entrance to Villa Park with his fists flailing.

Officers said they had a catalogue of evidence which linked Tucker to other disorder - including being part of a group involved in anti-social behaviour during a game at Millwall in 2013.

Tucker, of Hollydale Road, Erdington, was also ordered to pay £2,000 costs by Birmingham magistrates.

See also: WATCH: Three West Brom football thugs in 13-year games ban after trouble with Villa fans

Trouble flared before and after the Saturday evening tie, with two pitch invasions taking place in the game's final minutes. Seventeen people were arrested on the day.

Police draw batons and form a line to stop Aston Villa fans as they try to get to the West Bromwich Albion Fans in the final few minutes of the match

Seats were ripped up and thrown by Albion fans, while West Brom's Callum McManaman and Boaz Myhill were confronted by dozens of fans as they fled the field.

Rival fans also brawled at the Witton Arms pub prior to the game.

After the match Villa issued a swift apology for their fans' behaviour, while West Brom vowed to take a "zero tolerance" approach and promised to co-operate fully with the FA's inquiry.

Villa were later fined £200,000 by the FA for failing to prevent the pitch invasion.

Tony Pulis called for a lifetime ban of any Albion fan responsible for throwing seats.

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