Fan banned for Rooney phone throw

Roy Goldie denied throwing the phone at Rooney

A Liverpool fan who threw his mobile phone on the pitch as Wayne Rooney celebrated a goal has been banned from watching football for three years.

Roy Goldie, 35, "lashed" his phone in a temper as the Manchester United star scored in a match at Anfield.

Goldie, of Dovecot, Liverpool, admitted throwing his phone but denied aiming it at Rooney, Liverpool magistrates heard.

District Judge Ian Lomax told Goldie: "You may have well as left your name and address on the pitch."

Police took the phone and eventually traced it to Goldie.

'Standards of behaviour'

Millions of TV viewers saw the phone fly past Rooney's head as he taunted rival Liverpool fans in the Kop.

Mr Lomax said: "I am prepared to accept there are frustrations following football teams who you have supported since being a boy.

"I accept part and parcel of being a fan is the frustration that comes with being one.

"But there are standards of behaviour needed at football grounds, there for a very good reason, for the safety of fans, players and officials."

Goldie was banned for three years from attending any football match in England and Wales.

He was also fined £500 and ordered to pay £300 court costs.