'No penalty' call for dozy fan

Gilberto Silva (r) scored Arsenal's second goal

A case brought against a Middlesbrough football fan who fell asleep in the stadium while his team was thrashed 4-0, has been described as "ludicrous" in court.

Cleveland Police were urged to "have another look" at the prosecution of Adrian Carr who was arrested for a drink-related offence when he woke up.

Mr Carr, an engineering worker, had worked an early shift then downed a few pints before Sunday's match at the Riverside Stadium against Arsenal.

During the game, Mr Carr, 28, of Caithness Road, Middlesbrough, dozed off and had to be woken by stewards at the end of the match.

Police were called and he was arrested for being drunk in a sporting arena.

I intend to write to the Crown Prosecution Service bluntly to invite them to drop the case completely. Simon Walker, solicitor

As part of Middlesbrough football club's policy, Mr Carr's season ticket was confiscated and will be held until the outcome of the court proceedings.

Mr Carr appeared before the town's magistrates on Thursday where his solicitor, Simon Walker, said he would write to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Mr Walker told the court: "He had not done anything other than fall asleep at a football match.

"I intend to write to the Crown Prosecution Service bluntly to invite them to drop the case completely.

"I will also be writing to the football club inviting them to return his season ticket so he can watch the match on Saturday.

"I really do think it is a ludicrous situation."

The case was not outlined by the CPS at Thursday's hearing and no pleas were taken.

The case was adjourned until 8 September at Teesside Magistrates Court.