Sheffield United striker Ollie McBurnie acquitted of stomping on pitch-invading fan
Sheffield United star Ollie McBurnie has been allowed to stomp on a fan invading the pitch after suggesting he jumped over him to protect his foot.
The Scotland international has been acquitted of assaulting Nottingham Forest supporter George Brinkley. The player's lawyer claimed he was "like a ballerina" avoiding contact with his injured foot.
Prosecutors had alleged McBurnie was in a 'red fog' after the Blades lost on penalties to Forest in the Championship play-off semi-finals in May.
Finding that McBurnie, of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, is not guilty of a single charge of assault by battery, District Judge Leo Pyle said his judgment was based on evidence heard in court and " not on the instant judgment of social media".
In his ruling, the district judge said some of the evidence provided by alleged victim Brinkley was "somewhat flimsy".
The district judge had been urged by McBurnie's attorney to conclude that "a degree of club bias" was responsible for the accounts given by witnesses to the incident.
In her closing speech in court, defense attorney Lisa Judge claimed the plaintiff in the case lied about the incident and was malicious by sending an abusive Instagram message wishing the death of McBurnie and his family.
Referring to a video screenshot which the prosecution said showed the 6ft 4in McBurnie, who weighs 90kg, looking angry on the court, the judge said the player may have a "stern face at rest".
The lawyer added: "The prosecution opened this case on this boot, followed by a stamp.
"It is quite clear that the boot lifted like a ballerina, trying to clear the legs of Mr. Brinkley (who was) holding his bottle and program, lying on the ground of a pitch on which it shouldn't have been."< /p>
Speaking outside the courtroom, McBurnie told reporters he was instructed not to comment on the outcome of the case.
READ MORE: Watford bad boy among five Championship stars whose transfer value rose at World Cup
Sheffield United star Ollie McBurnie has been allowed to stomp on a fan invading the pitch after suggesting he jumped over him to protect his foot.
The Scotland international has been acquitted of assaulting Nottingham Forest supporter George Brinkley. The player's lawyer claimed he was "like a ballerina" avoiding contact with his injured foot.
Prosecutors had alleged McBurnie was in a 'red fog' after the Blades lost on penalties to Forest in the Championship play-off semi-finals in May.
Finding that McBurnie, of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, is not guilty of a single charge of assault by battery, District Judge Leo Pyle said his judgment was based on evidence heard in court and " not on the instant judgment of social media".
In his ruling, the district judge said some of the evidence provided by alleged victim Brinkley was "somewhat flimsy".
The district judge had been urged by McBurnie's attorney to conclude that "a degree of club bias" was responsible for the accounts given by witnesses to the incident.
In her closing speech in court, defense attorney Lisa Judge claimed the plaintiff in the case lied about the incident and was malicious by sending an abusive Instagram message wishing the death of McBurnie and his family.
Referring to a video screenshot which the prosecution said showed the 6ft 4in McBurnie, who weighs 90kg, looking angry on the court, the judge said the player may have a "stern face at rest".
The lawyer added: "The prosecution opened this case on this boot, followed by a stamp.
"It is quite clear that the boot lifted like a ballerina, trying to clear the legs of Mr. Brinkley (who was) holding his bottle and program, lying on the ground of a pitch on which it shouldn't have been."< /p>
Speaking outside the courtroom, McBurnie told reporters he was instructed not to comment on the outcome of the case.
READ MORE: Watford bad boy among five Championship stars whose transfer value rose at World Cup
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