What happened to Newcastle fan who punched horse after Sunderland defeat

504     0
Barry Rogerson infamously punched a horse after Newcastle
Barry Rogerson infamously punched a horse after Newcastle's defeat to Sunderland in 2013 (Image: BBC News)

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."

Newcastle United's Wembley appearance to be marked by a souvenir special eiqehiqeriqruinvNewcastle United's Wembley appearance to be marked by a souvenir special
What happened to Newcastle fan who punched horse after Sunderland defeatRogerson 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.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Dan Burnham

Newcastle United FC, Sunderland AFC

Read more similar news:

01.02.2023, 19:22 • Sport
Cas star Jacob Miller says Trinity's Lewis Murphy has "nothing to lose" in NRL
01.02.2023, 21:51 • Sport
5 talking points as Man Utd finally end five-year wait for Wembley final
01.02.2023, 22:07 • Sport
Ten Hag has chance to end unacceptable Man Utd wait he immediately acknowledged
02.02.2023, 06:00 • Sport
Premier League teams' January transfer window grades as Chelsea splash cash
02.02.2023, 11:00 • Sport
Man Utd and Newcastle fans to get safe standing tickets for Carabao Cup final
02.02.2023, 11:57 • Sport
Erik ten Hag makes promise to Man Utd fans after reaching Carabao Cup final
02.02.2023, 14:00 • Sport
Newcastle outcast can only win Carabao Cup winners medal if Man Utd win
03.02.2023, 11:03 • Sport
Newcastle star Miguel Almiron admits his boots are being held together by glue
03.02.2023, 22:30 • Sport
David Moyes calls for more from Paqueta after Newcastle tried to sign him
04.02.2023, 08:30 • Sport
Premier League supercomputer predicts final table after record transfer window