FIVE football fans involved in a pitch invasion at AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium have appeared in court.

They admitted entering the playing area without lawful authority or lawful excuse on March 16 when they appeared before Poole magistrates,

Mitchell Donley, 24, of Andover was fined £135, Steven Thomas Gordon, 40, of Newcastle-upon-Tweed, was fined £80 and Louis James Ross, 18, of Newcastle was fined £100.

Ricky Farish, 29, of Berwick-on-Tweed was fined £100 and Christopher Lewin, 31, of Northumberland was fined £85.

All were ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £30.

Police were forced to step in after fans invaded the pitch during AFC Bournemouth's clash with Newcastle United. The incident happened after Newcastle scored a stoppage time equaliser.