A PORTSMOUTH fan who headbutted a Saints supporter and left him with "lasting injuries" has admitted common assault.

Mason Preston, 21, of Purbrook Way, Leigh Park, appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court today.

The hearing was told he had been with a group of around 40 other Pompey fans at Basingstoke railway station on February 5.

Cocaine-fuelled Preston, who had also been drinking, began talking with a group of three Southampton supporters, before turning violent, the court heard.

Giles Fletcher, prosecuting, said: "The victim was one of three Southampton fans, and he was with friends.

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"Footage shows Portsmouth fans chatting with him.

"Then Mr Preston headbutted him, and he fell to the floor and was knocked unconscious for a short period.

"He had a cut to the back of his head and suffered... after the event.

"There was blood on the top of his head, and he had a black eye."

Footage of the assault, which also left the victim Sasha Brown with vertigo, was shown to the courtroom.

A clip was widely shared on Twitter in the aftermath of the assault.

The prosecution asked magistrates to impose a football banning order, preventing him from attending future games.

Lian Webster, defending, said: "Clearly, the victim suffered lasting injuries.

"I understand this is an offence that you may not be able to sentence under your powers, but I seek to persuade you.

"Please take his maturity and age as a matter that can allow this to be concluded today."

Magistrates said the case was "serious" and sent the case for sentencing at Portsmouth Crown Court on April 1.