Bud the horse is back after thug punch attack

Britain’s bravest horse will be keeping the peace today at the first Tyne-Wear derby since he was punched in the face by a football thug.

Bud nicknamed the wonder horse was attacked by Barry Rogerson, 45, who was jailed for a year this week for violent disorder.

Unemployed Rogerson was caught on camera squaring up to the shire-cross horse as hundreds of Newcastle fans ran running battles with riot police after losing to fierce rivals Sunderland at St James’s Park.

Bud will receive a warm welcome at The Stadium of Light today after becoming a cult hero among Black Cats fans. Eddie Swinburn, of the Chester-le-Street Sunderland supporters group, said: “I’m sure that when word gets around that he’s there, the Sunderland fans will make a bit of a fuss of him. Most of the supporters were horrified when they heard what had happened and didn’t understand someone being violent towards an animal. It was just crazy.”

Tough Bud, who is part of the West Yorkshire Police mounted section, was drafted in to help police at the last Tyne-Wear derby on April 14. Newcastle yobs pelted police with missiles outside St James’ Park after Sunderland beat their bitter rivals 3-0.

Rogerson, of Bedlington, Northumberland, was seen to hit Bud while wearing a black-and-white Newcastle scarf covering his face. Footage of the punch was posted on the internet and drew scathing criticism from animal rights groups.

Rogerson, who has an 11-year-old son, later made an apology, declaring he was an animal lover. He said he only wore the scarf because he had sensitive teeth.

Rogerson pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder last month. He was jailed for 12 months by a judge at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday and banned from attending football grounds for six years.

Since the last derby Bud has become a celebrity among Sunderland fans. One group even visited Bud where he is stabled near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, presenting him with a box of “Paulo” mints, a reference to the then manager Paulo Di Canio.

And Sunderland superfan Paul Welch this week unveiled a new red-and-white striped van, with a picture of a man punching a horse on its back doors and the slogan “Keep calm and don’t punch horses”.

Last night, both clubs and police were preparing a huge security operation for today’s Premiership clash to prevent a repeat of the ugly scenes in April. Extra police will be patrolling near the ground, including officers on horseback.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed: “Bud the horse is due to attend the derby along with other horses from the police mounted section.”

Northumbria Police Chief Inspector Bruce Storey said: “We want people to enjoy the occasion responsibly.”