A MAN who changed his first name to ‘Birminghamcity’ was arrested outside a Darwen pub after causing matchday trouble when he followed his team to Blackburn.

The town’s magistrates heard Birminghamcity Cunningham was arrested outside the Bridgewater and while he was in a police cell smeared excrement on the walls.

Cunningham, 45, of Rover Drive, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour, damaging a police cell, damaging blankets belonging to Lancashire Constabulary and a police cell mattress. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £262 compensation, £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police were called to the Bridgewater at 9.50pm, long after the match had finished in a 2-2 draw.

Cunningham, who was drunk, had knocked over a pint of beer which had showered people sitting at the next table. When officers approached he was abusive and was arrested.

“The damage was caused in the cell which needed specialist cleaning,” said Mr Robinson. “When he was interviewed he apologised and said he was embarrassed by what had happened.”

Imran Hussain, defending, said his client was prescribed anti-psychotic medication and it had been a poor decision to consume alcohol while on medication.

“He says the blanket was used as a makeshift ligature to try to commit suicide which perhaps explains his state of mind,” said Mr Hussain.

Previous court hearings in the Midlands have been told Cunningham was so committed to the club nicknamed the Blues that he legally changed his name to Birminghamcity Cunningham in 2000.

He declared himself bankrupt in 2001 after falling £49,000 in debt.