The Geordie horse puncher who came off significantly worse than his equine opponent and became an internet meme has spoken out about the incident.
"It all happened so quickly. I had just left the pub after the match and I walked straight into the middle of it." 45 year old Barry Rogerson told The Sun.
"The horse was spooked by a fire cracker and charged at me.
"At first I tried to get him away from me with my left hand and then I punched him with my right. It was sheer panic. I believe it made contact with the horse.
"It was an instant reaction. The horse just came towards me and I reacted stupidly.
"I apologise for it — I did not actually go out to attack a horse. I love animals. I have got three dogs and a fishpond.
"To hit a horse, like — bloody hell — I don't know what came over me.
"The pictures make it look far worse than it actually was.
"That's no excuse. If I hit the horse then I deserve the abuse. But this is my first ever offence.
"I have had lots of messages, mostly on Facebook and Twitter, there are 700 animal activists after my address.
"I wasn't drunk, I had two pints before the match and a bottle at half time. The police were fine. They said thank you for being honest and polite.
"I am sorry for hitting the horse, and I am sorry for the whole incident. I have embarrassed myself and my family.
Wife Teresa, 47, added: "This is so unlike him. He would not harm a fly.
"He never goes out anywhere without me. I let him out once by himself and look what happens."
