One of the highlights of FA Cup third round weekend was National League Eastleigh’s valiant efforts against Bolton Wanderers.
Despite the gulf between the two sides, Eastleigh more than held their own, eventually losing a replay 3-2 to the Championship side.
In the first fixture, Eastleigh took the lead early in the second half, only for Darren Pratley to level things three minutes before full-time.
But the first leg will also be remembered for the intervention of one pitch invader, who very nearly timed his run into the box to absolute perfection as Eastleigh searched for a second goal.
At the time, the motive for his encroachment on to the field of play was unclear, but it appears it was all in the name of love.
Having now be fined for his actions, it’s been revealed in the Mirror that 51-year-old John Dynes’ actions were an attempt to win back the heart of his ex-girlfriend.
Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard that Mr. Dynes was in an emotional state when he made his bizarre surge into the Bolton box, and believed that TV footage of him scoring an historic FA Cup goal would impress his old flame.
Charles Nightingale, prosecuting, explained to the court: “He thought it would be the last chance to get his girlfriend back by getting on Match of the Day.”
“His intention was that he would run onto the pitch and attempt to score in the opposing goalmouth that he was running towards.
“It was clearly a ridiculous course of action that caused a very significant disturbance to all of those who had paid to watch the match, although he had not taken any alcohol prior to making the decision to run on to the pitch.”
Although his actions might have amused many, don’t be getting any ideas. Pitch invading is illegal and Mr. Dynes was immediately arrested for the incident.
Maybe try getting her a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates.
