West Bromwich Albion fan burnt when hit by a flare thrown by rival supporter

Leicester City fan Frazer Green had a court order banning him from all Foxes games but had managed to get into The Hawthorns.

The incident on April 11 sparked anger between the rival supporters on the special day in honour of the Albion legend but the police were able to keep them apart.

Green, of Flax Road, Leicester, threw the flare and it hit Baggies fan Ian Topliss on the back of the head before it fell into his hood and caused minor burns to the back of his neck.

He was left with a blister approximately the size of a 10 pence coin.

Appearing at Sandwell Magistrates Court this week, 20-year-old Green admitted possessing and throwing the missile, failing to comply with his banning order and assaulting Mr Topliss.

Mr Mark Cooper, prosecuting, said the whole thing was captured on CCTV at the ground. The footage showed Green, whose banning order was imposed in 2013 and runs until June next year, lighting the blue flare and throwing it at the Albion fans.

Mr Cooper told the court that, in an bid to avoid being detained, Green then moved seat and put on a jacket to cover the distinctive t-shirt he was wearing.

But police identified and arrested him during the match.

Mr Topliss, whose shoes were painted blue after kicking the flare away, was taken to the ground's medical suite.

Mr Cooper added: "During the police interview Mr Green made a full and frank admission.

"He said in his interview he had brought the ticket for the game as a last minute decision from a friend. He travelled to Birmingham and went to a pub in the city centre where he had four of five pints of cider.

"He told police he was feeling tipsy. He made his way to the ground knowing he was breeching his order.

"He said he was passed the flare by another fan and then he quite stupidly threw it towards the West Bromwich Albion fans."

Mr Cooper added that when Green was told Mr Topliss had been injured by the flare he became upset and expressed remorse for his actions.

Green's lawyer said her client did not dispute the circumstances of the incident as outlined by Mr Cooper in court.

Mrs Karen Chater, chair of the magistrates' bench, told Green: "It is very fortunate for you that Mr Topliss suffered only minor injuries and it wasn't a child there on the day."

Green was released on unconditional bail. He will return to Sandwell Magistrates Court on May 29 for sentencing.