Arsenal fan Jamie Chapman saw red when a Chelsea supporter insulted his wife during a pub argument.

He went home to get a claw hammer and ended getting banned from every pub in Gravesham.

The 35-year-old, of Peacock Street, Gravesend, confronted Declan Murphy in the Waterloo pub in Wellington Street, Gravesend.

Magistrates heard that Chapman, who was drunk, became abusive to Mr Murphy who was enjoying a night out with his wife and brother.

After the confrontation, Chapman went home only to return hours later armed with the hammer. Police were called after Chapman stood outside the pub and threatened to kill Mr Murphy’s family. Chapman left and police arrested him at his home.

They found the weapon – a hammer he used in his work for an asbestos removal firm – yards away from the house. On Monday, he admitted possessing an offensive weapon on Sunday, September 4.

Darren Crispin, prosecuting, said: "He had a claw hammer and was waving it above his head. When interviewed by the police the following day he admitted the offence."

When interviewed, Mr Crispin said, Chapman told police officers: "I’m an Arsenal fan and he is a Chelsea fan. He called my wife a fat slag and I was sticking up for her."

John Connor, defending, said Chapman’s actions were out of character. He said: "Something was said between the two but they cannot remember much of it now. He was at home when he reflected on what had happened and he regrettably lost his temper and returned to the pub." A probation report revealed Chapman has alcohol problems and that he had recently started taking cocaine.

The report recommended that Chapman be banned from all licensed premises in the borough.

Chairman of the bench, Michael Fitzsimons, agreed, and banned Chapman from all Gravesham pubs for 12 months.

He was also given a 90-day prison sentence, suspended for a year and £85 court costs.

Mr Fitzsimons ordered the hammer to be destroyed.