An Everton fan has been jailed for eight weeks after attacking opposition players while holding his toddler.

Michael Fitzpatrick was holding his three-year-old, dummy-sucking son in one arm and using his other to grapple or punch at opposition players during a Europa League tie between Everton and Lyon last October.

Footage of the incident went viral as Fitzpatrick was filmed alongside other fans who were throwing punches as players grappled near the touchline at Goodison Park.

The 30-year-old, from Prescot, Merseyside, later said he felt ashamed by his behaviour and feared he would be banned from accessing his children.

Fitzpatrick was jailed for eight weeks after pleading guilty to assault, when he appeared at the community justice centre in Bootle on 23 May, Merseyside police said. He was also given a six-year football banning order due to the serious aggravating factor of the assault occurring while holding a child.

Superintendent Dave Charnock, of Merseyside police, said: “The majority of fans went to the game to enjoy it for what it was – a football match between two passionate clubs.

“The police will not tolerate the selfish and idiotic actions of a few attempting to spoil a game of football that the vast majority of people went along to enjoy.

“We will continue to work closely with all of our local clubs to make matches safe and enjoyable occasions for everyone, and ensure that we look to prosecute anyone who commits this type of behaviour.”

“Fitzpatrick will now will have a criminal record and the consequences of this in the future could be significant.”

The incident happened during the second half of the first leg as the home side trailed Lyon.

Everton skipper Ashley Williams’ pushed goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, which led to a heated confrontation between several Everton and Lyon players. It continued off the pitch in front of the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street End.

Everton FC banned Fitzpatrick for life from its grounds.