06 January 2024 , 05:15
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The Newcastle fan who punched a horse 'in self-defence' after a defeat to Sunderland in 2013 admitted that he had "a feeble excuse for doing so".
Barry Rogerson, a member of the Toon Army, became infamous when he squared up to 'Bud', a Shire cross from West Yorkshire Police, over a decade ago. The incident happened after tensions flared between Magpies supporters and the police following a 3-0 defeat to local rivals Sunderland at St James' Park in April 2013.
Footage of Rogerson landing a punch on the unsuspecting horse quickly spread worldwide. However, he insisted he was acting in self-defence and explained his face was covered because a tooth filling had fallen out. Later that year, speaking to BBC News, he said: "I think I went to stop it with my left hand on its neck and I've punched it on the nose and I was stupid."
When asked why he did it, Rogerson responded: "Self-defence. I mean the horse was bolting at us. It panicked, I panicked and it was just an instant reaction. I wasn't intending to hurt the horse, I mean I don't think I did hurt the horse. But it wasn't intent, it just happened."
When asked about his scarf covering his face, he said: "My filling dropped out and the cold air was getting in. It sounds a feeble excuse but that's the truth." He added: "I'm sorry but that is the truth. It was a cold day, cold windy day and that nerve was open to the air and I just pulled the scarf up."
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Rogerson said that his filling had fallen out (BBC News)He admitted: "It makes us look like a right thug, I agree with you. But I'm not a thug. I've never been involved with football hooligans or whatever and I've never been in trouble before." In court, Rogerson confessed that the scarf was to hide his identity as he pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Rogerson was sentenced to a year in prison but was released after only a few weeks. He also received a six-year ban from attending football matches. Bud, who luckily wasn't hurt in the incident, later moved to the Met Police before retiring in October 2019. He passed away 11 months later.
Geordie artist Sam Wood commemorated Bud by painting a picture of Rogerson's punch. The artwork was put up for sale for £1,100 in September 2018.
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