A FOOTBALL fan from Malvern has failed to get a three-year match ban overturned after a judge dismissed his appeal against sentence.

Craig Humphries, a Wolverhampton Wanderers supporter, damaged a £15 light in a train carriage as he returned from a match against Cardiff City.

Others fans ripped seats and set off a fire extinguisher at a cost of £700, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Humphries claimed he hit the light as he jumped up and down singing football songs - and insisted it was the only damage he was responsible for.

But Judge Amjad Nawaz said others had to be warned that if they attended sports events they should behave themselves.

He said Kidderminster magistrates were right to impose a long ban on the grounds it would prevent violence or disorder at subsequent matches.

He ordered 23-year-old Humphries, of Worcester Road, Malvern, to pay the £333 cost of the failed appeal.

The defendant was also fined £150 by the magistrates and told to pay £80 court costs and £15 compensation. He admitted criminal damage.

Humphries was in a group of 12 fans returning from the Championship match on February 22, before Wolverhampton were promoted to the Premiership, said Andrew Wilkins, prosecuting.

His blood stains on the smashed light were identified by police.

He had a previous previous caution for a city centre fight and obstructing officers.

Gary Harper, defending, said he pleaded guilty on the basis of recklessness.

He argued that a three-year match ban was too harsh for low level criminality.