Newcastle lout who punched horse apologises and says he loves animals

The Newcastle lout who punched a police horse during ugly scenes after the Tyne-Wear derby insisted he was an animal lover who was acting self-defence.



Shamed Barry Rogerson said he was living in fear after his name and address were posted on the internet by animal rights activists.

Scroll down for video of the incident



Jailed: Barry Rogerson threw a punch at Bud the police horse after the Tyne-Wear derby Banned: Rogerson has also been handed a six-year football banning order

Not horsing around: Bud, the horse that was attacked, pictured in the paddock the day after the game

Rogerson was pictured aiming a right hook at the Shire-cross, named Bud, as Newcastle fans ran amok after losing 3-0 at home to bitter rivals Sunderland on Sunday.

But the 45-year-old, who lives near Morpeth, Northumberland, claimed the footage, posted on YouTube, gave the wrong impression.

Rogerson said he had pulled a scarf over his face because a filling had fallen out of a front tooth.

And he only hit out in panic after the horse was spooked by a firecracker and charged at him.

Pitched battles: Police try to hold back Newcastle fans attempting to break through their lines

Charge: Mounted officers try to hold back rioting fans after last season's Tyne-Wear derby

Rogerson, living on disability benefits after quitting a factory job in 2005 because of a lung condition, said: 'It all happened so quickly. I had just left the pub after the match and I walked straight into the middle of it.

'The horse was spooked by a fire cracker and charged at me.

'At first I tried to get him away from me with my left hand and then I punched him with my right. It was sheer panic. I believe it made contact with the horse.

'It was an instant reaction. The horse just came towards me and I reacted stupidly.