A BOLTON Wanderers fan was seen lighting a flare in the concourse area at Ewood Park during the game against Blackburn Rovers.

Blackburn magistrates heard Joshua Greenwood was then seen dancing around with the lit flare in his hand.

Gareth Price, defending, said as a result of the offence Greenwood faced a three year football banning order and he asked the magistrates to give him time to investigate the impact that would have on his client who lived in supported accommodation and played football for the Bolton Wanderers affiliated disability football club.

"Those who work with him believe his attendance at football has a positive effect on his mental health," said Mr Price. "I would like to speak to the manager of the football team and his community nurse to see if a banning order would have an adverse effect on him. It is a three year minimum and I am concerned about how that length of time away from football might impact on him.

Greenwood, 24, of The Hollies, Worsley Road, Bolton, pleaded guilty to possessing a flare at a sporting event. He was remanded on bail until June 7 when the magistrates will consider the sentence and the imposition of a banning order.

A spokesman for Bolton Wanderers Community trust said: "We are aware of the incident but as the case is still ongoing we are unable to comment further at this time."