A MAN has been fined after going onto the playing area during an AFC Bournemouth match.

Martin Collins, 53 and of Gunnersbury Close, Chiswick, appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on October 6 in relation to the incident at Vitality Stadium on Tuesday, September 14.

Cherries were in Championship action against Queen’s Park Rangers on the night of September 14, with the hosts claiming a 2-1 victory.

Collins, who was unrepresented in court, pleaded guilty to a single charge of going onto the playing area without lawful authority of lawful excuse at a designated football match – a crime under the Football (Offences) Act 1991.

District Judge Stephen Nicholls issued a £250 fine and ordered the defendant to pay £34 surcharge and £85 costs.

Court papers said that the judge exercised his discretion and did not make a football banning order as he was not satisfied the grounds for one were made out.

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