Find local news in Kent

Home   Dover   News   Article

Premier League pitch invader Jordan Dunn from Dover crowdfunds fine after taking free-kick as West Ham played Spurs at Upton Park

17:00, 02 September 2014

A boozy football fan who ran onto the pitch and took a free-kick during a Premier League match is seeking donations to pay off his £305 court fine.

Football fan Jordan Dunn's Go Fund Me page has already attracted £230 in donations - just £75 off his target.

He appeared before a judge at Thames magistrates court in London yesterday, to be told he had "bent it like Beckham."

West Ham fan Jordan Dunn invaded the pitch at Upton Park
West Ham fan Jordan Dunn invaded the pitch at Upton Park

District Judge Gareth Branston described how the fan sprinted across the pitch before kicking for goal.

But national newspapers said the judge added: “Regrettably it was about 30mph slower than Beckham.”

The 22-year-old from Dover has even managed to take a dive when it comes to paying the £305 fine imposed - with the fund set up on the crowdfunding site.

One donor Nalius Sheehan, who gave £5, wrote: "As a season ticket holder who was at the game. I have to say 'You we're the highlight !'"

Stephen Hornibroom, who donated £10, said: "Absolute legend!!!! Having met you're(sic) dad a few times i can only imagine you are a top bloke like he is. Glad you got off lightly in court and the judge had a sense of humour."

Pitch invader Jordan Dunn
Pitch invader Jordan Dunn

Speaking before the case, Dunn said he knocked back eight beers before deciding to dash 80 yards across the turf to take the strike as West Ham faced Spurs at Upton Park last month.

The Hammers fan – who works on reception at the Premier Inn on Dover seafront – hit the target and was then bundled to the floor by stewards and arrested.

But despite spending a night in police cells and potentially facing a hefty fine running into thousands, Dunn said he had no regrets about pulling the stunt.

He said: "I know it was a mistake, but it was definitely worth it.

"My phone hasn't stopped going off and even Gary Lineker tweeted about it. My mates think I'm a legend."

Footage of the pitch invasion was shared on Twitter and even earned a mention on Match of the Day and Sky Sports News.

Pitch invader Jordan Dunn takes a free-kick during a West Ham game
Pitch invader Jordan Dunn takes a free-kick during a West Ham game

But Dunn - who had been boozing for seven hours before the stunt after starting to drink at 9am on the train to London from his home in The Gateway, Dover - said it was a spur of the moment act.

He said: "I thought no one else was shooting, so I might as well.

"I think I ran about 80 yards. I don't remember looking at any players - I only had my eyes on the ball."

Right-footed Dunn – who plays for Sunday side Dover Elms Vale – said he was forced to shoot with his left foot to avoid breaking his stride.

He said: "If I had used my right I probably would have fallen over. It wasn't a bad strike though.

"I just wish I'd used the outside of my right foot and buried it bottom corner."

Jordan Dunn said his pitch stunt was 'worth it'
Jordan Dunn said his pitch stunt was 'worth it'

Dunn spent the night in cells at Forest Green police station and was interviewed and charged under the Football Offences Act on Sunday morning.

He pleaded guilty and was given fines amounting to £305, but avoided a match ban.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More