Aston Villa fan who threw lighter at linesman during 6-0 defeat by Liverpool escapes match ban after claiming he was 'emotionally drained'

An Aston Villa fan who threw a cigarette lighter toward the linesman as his heroes were thumped 6-0 by Liverpool has escaped a ban - after his lawyer pleaded he had been 'emotionally drained' by the debacle on the Villa Park pitch. 

Paul Burton, from Birmingham, threw the lighter in the direction of the assistant referee in the 90th minute of the Valentine's Day massacre seen by many as a major contributor to the club's slender Premier League survival hopes.

Defence lawyer Ash Mistry told Birmingham Magistrates Court that football fans would, in fact, have some sympathy for his client. 'I'm a football fan, a season ticket holder, and I know how emotionally involved it can be, especially when your team is being hammered,' he said. 

Aston Villa supporter Paul Burton is pictured leaving Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday. He escaped a ban for throwing a lighter after claiming to be 'emotionally drained' by a 6-0 defeat by Liverpool

The incident occurred during Villa's embarrassing home defeat by Liverpool on Valentine's Day (pictured)

Aston Villa fans leave Villa Park before the final whistle after seeing their side ship six goals to Liverpool

'And that's what was happening on this day - it had been draining, and this incident happened in the 90th minute.' 

The incident came as Burton prepared to leave his place in the stand, cigarettes and lighter in his hand, ready to light up outside because smoking is banned in grounds. 

'He was emotional and remonstrated,' said Mr Mistry. 'As he was doing this, the lighter came out of his hand. He wasn't throwing it at anyone and it would have had to travel some distance to hit anyone.' 

Burton, 35, of Kings Heath, pleaded guilty to throwing a missile onto a football playing area. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £135 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Mark Soper, prosecuting, said on February 14 this year Villa were playing Liverpool and were losing badly. 

'It was late in the match, the 90th minute, and Villa weren't doing very well, it seems,' Mr Soper said. 

'They were losing 6-0 and the defendant threw a cigarette lighter in the direction of an assistant referee. 

'Luckily it didn't hit him, but stewards detained the defendant and the police were called.' 

Mr Soper said although unemployed Burton had many previous convictions, including dishonesty, possession of offensive weapons, possession of a bladed article, robbery and assault, none were for football-related incidents. Although he didn't have a season ticket, Burton was a devoted fan and went to around 20 matches a season. 

'This has never happened before and will never happen again, he is full of remorse,' said Mr Mistry. 

Magistrates said they had been considering a banning order, but decided against it after accepting that it was a one-off incident. During the two weeks he was waiting for his court appearance, Burton had been banned from going anywhere near Villa Park for three hours before and after any home fixture. 

Aston Villa are rock bottom of the Premier League with just 10 games left to play of the season. 

Remi Garde's side are eight points adrift of 17th-placed Sunderland and have the tricky test of facing Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. 

The strugglers have won just three Premier League games throughout the current campaign. 

Villa's most recent defeat came at the hands of Everton on Tuesday evening.  

England international Daniel Sturridge (right) scored the opening goal in his side's emphatic victory

Villa's most recent defeat saw Remi Garde's side lose 3-1 at the hands of Everton on Tuesday evening