Violent enthusiasm at Colne v. Liverpool match

Monday, February 21 – 1910
Richard Barton, a skin-yard labourer, of 24, Buck-street, was summoned for assaulting James Brown, weaver, of 20, Bright-street. Complainant stated that the assault was committed upon him at the Colne v. Liverpool football match, a week last Saturday. At half-time he and a friend were talking about Colne winning matches at home, and losing them away, when defendant said: “With such supporters as you they will never win.” He then let drive with his fist, hitting him on the nose, and also breaking his pipe. Afterwards he took a running kick at him, and caught him on the leg. Complainant told him he was a coward, and he would make him smart for the assault. Corroborative evidence was given by George Ellis, a weaver, of Blucher-street. Barton told the Bench that Brown was running Colne down, and he was backing them up. Brown was going to kick him, and he retaliated. Defendant also stated that Brown had offered to settle the case if he would pay the costs of the summons, and he promised to do so. Otherwise he would have brought some witnesses on his behalf. A fine of 2s. 6d. and costs was imposed.
(Burnley Gazette, 23-02-1910)