LESS than 24 hours after cheering their heroes to Premier League success, three Manchester City fans have been told they cannot attend their games for the next three years.

The trio, who include two brothers, have been banned from going to the club's home and away matches following a fracas outside Southampton's St Marys Stadium in December when the teams played out a 1-1 draw.

Prosecutor Siobhan Linsley told the city crown court how Alex Hurst got involved in a row with fellow football fan Simon Hull whose wife tried to step between them. Hurst's younger brother Daniel then came running up behind them and punched both of the couple, knocking her to the ground.

Southampton Supporters tried to break up the commotion, only for Vost to run through them and punch Mr Hull to the ground where he either twice kicked or stamped on his legs.

Alex Hurst, 25, from Mossley, Manchester; Daniel Hurst, 21, from Ashton-Under-Lyne, and Vost, 25, from Stalybridge, admitted affray.

They received an eight month suspended sentence with £500 court costs and in addition to being banned from Manchester City matches, were told they could not attend England internationals as well.

Judge Peter Henry told the trio: “This was an unpleasant incident which could have led to a mass disturbance. It didn't lead to serious injury but if it had done, I would have imposed an immediate prison sentence.”

Fiona Wise, defending, said they had acted out of character and were horrified by their behaviour.