Villa fan who threw coin at linesman is banned from all football matches

The Aston Villasupporter who injured a linesman at a Premier League match  against Portsmouth last October has been banned from attending all matches for the next five years.John Billington, 43, of Great Barr, the director of an engineering company, was  sentenced after he pleaded guilty to a count of battery after throwing a 50 pence coin at assistant referee Phil Sharp.The official was struck on the head by the coin near the end of the goalless draw between the two sides.  Villa spokesman Steve Tudgay said: 'We are pleased this has reached a  satisfactory conclusion through the courts.'We will now consider whether to extend the duration of the ban from Villa Park  as part of our constant review of safety and crowd control procedures.' Hurt: Portsmouth boss Harry redknapp helps stricken assistant referee Phil Sharp after he was hit on the head by a coin at Villa Park last year  Aston Villa: We won't challenge legality of Arshavin's transfer to ArsenalASTON VILLA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEBPORTSMOUTH FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB  

Source: Daily_Mail