'I'm Barrow's top dog' - football thug jailed for brutal attack on Salford City fan

A football thug viciously attacked a Salford City supporter after telling him: "I'm Barrow's top dog."

Tomas Downing, 23, has now been jailed for 28 weeks.

He's also been banned from attending football matches for six years, police have revealed.

Downing, said police, 'launched an unprovoked assault' on the unnamed Salford City FC fan on Tuesday, January 25.

A court heard the victim had attended the Barrow AFC v Salford City Sky Bet League Two match, a 7.45pm kick-off.

In a statement after Downing's sentencing, Cumbria Police said: "He was stood outside the stadium, on Holker Street, when he was approached by Downing and three other men.

"Downing was said to have asked if the victim was from Salford before saying 'I'm Barrow's top dog'.

"Downing then called the victim 'Salford scum' before punching the man in the face.

"Downing continued swinging punches at the man, even after he had fallen to the floor.

"Police officers were then able to intervene and arrest Downing."

The force said Downing, of Euston Grove, Morecambe, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault at Barrow Magistrates' Court.

He was sentenced to 28 weeks in prison and also made the subject of a six-year football banning order.

The force's didn't give any details of the victim's injuries.

PC Rickie Wallbank, the dedicated football officer for Barrow AFC, said the sentence and banning order sent a strong message to football hooligans.

He said: "Violence has no place at football.

"At a time when football violence in on a rise nationally, this sentence shows that it is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it.

"Thankfully the overwhelming majority of Barrow AFC supporters who travel up and down the country are a huge credit to their club. I am