A West Ham fan who “bent it like Beckham” when he ran onto the pitch and took a free kick during a Premier League match has apologised for his “moment of madness”.
Jordan Dunn, 22, from Dover in Kent, became an internet sensation when he ran onto the pitch at the Boleyn Ground during the Hammers’ game against Tottenham and struck the ball. His effort was easily saved by the West Ham goalkeeper Adrian San Miguel del Castillo.
He pleaded guilty on Monday to a charge under Section 4 of the Football Offences Act 1991, which states it is illegal to go onto the pitch without an excuse or lawful authority.
The 22-year-old apologised for his “moment of madness” and was fined a total of £305 but spared a ban from future matches.
Passing sentence at Thames Magistrates’ Court in East London, District Judge Gareth Branston said Dunn ran “some 70 yards” across the pitch to the spot where Tottenham were lining up a free kick.
“You took it for them. To be frank you were probably a little tired by the time you got to the ball.
“It was a longer run than was strictly necessary.
“You had consumed alcohol and your stride pattern was a bit out of kilter but to borrow a phrase you did bend it like Beckham. Regrettably it was about 30mph slower than Beckham– Judge Gareth Branston
The judge said Dunn’s effort was “easily” saved by the goalkeeper but referring to Christian Eriksen’s subsequent shot, he added: “I understand that the professional footballer who followed you did not do any better.”
Judge Branston also said it was a “small mercy” Dunn had “decided to remain fully clothed”.
The West Ham fan, who smiled when the judge compared his effort to former England captain David Beckham, said it had been a dream to play at his favourite team’s ground from a young age.
Dunn, who has a 10-month old boy, said he “was a bit concerned” about the prospect of a banning order because he wants to take his child to West Ham when he grows up.
One fan took to social media to praise the West Ham fan’s shot, which he said was better than Eriksen’s free kick.
He wrote on Twitter: “Fair play to that pitch invader at West Ham v Spurs.. He got the Free kick on target when Eriksen couldn’t.”
