A LIFELONG Bristol Rovers fan who shouted racist abuse at Asian children after a match at the Memorial Stadium has had his football banning order overturned.

Martyn Howlett said it was a "huge relief" that the courts had lifted the order that would have stopped him from going to any football match for three years.

The 44-year-old was given the ban after he pleaded guilty in front of magistrates to committing aggravated disorderly behaviour following Bristol Rovers' home defeat to Norwich City on May 1.

After the match Mr Howlett, who had been drinking with family and friends at the game, made racist comments and gestures to a group of Asian children who were having a picnic outside the 1st Bristol Muslim Scout group's headquarters on Muller Road.

Prosecuting at Bristol Magistrates' Court in June, Michael Hartnell said: "The children were scared and extremely concerned for their safety."

But at Bristol Crown Court Mr Howlett's solicitor successfully argued that his client's actions had nothing to do with the football match, and that the ban should be lifted.

The order was overturned, but his two-year conditional discharge remained in place.

Speaking after the case, Mr Howlett, a lifelong Rovers season ticket holder and self-proclaimed member of the British National Party, said: "I feel totally relieved that it has been lifted.

"The argument is purely and simply that what I did that day and admitted guilt to had nothing to do with the football.

"What I did an hour-and-a- half after the final whistle was a totally separate incident that I was ashamed of and admitted.

"For the football authorities to bring a football ban for the incident I felt was totally unjust and the court has vindicated me in that and agreed with my stance.

"Even the prosecution agreed that it really was a tenuous case.

"My family has been connected with Bristol Rovers for many years. It has been a labour of love, but being told I can't go to football would have been a great impact on me."

Football banning orders can be sought for disorder or violent offences that occur 24 hours before or after a regulated match.

Police can seek an order if they think it is relevant or necessary to prevent further problems at any football match in the future.