A Saints fan accused of taking part in a mass brawl was holding a pint glass when he left a Southampton pub, a court heard.
Thomas Burke, 31, of Peverells Wood Avenue, Chandler's Ford, is one of two men standing trial after violence erupted between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur fans on March 18, 2023.
Burke was cross-examined by Simon Jones, prosecuting, after giving evidence at Southampton Crown Court.
Mr Jones accused him of taking part in a pre-arranged fight with Spurs fans after leaving the Mail Room bar in Oxford Street.
CCTV footage played in court showed Burke leaving the pub with a pint of beer in his hand.
Burke said he turned left into Latimer Street with the intention of going to the Platform Tavern, adding: "I was necking my beer on the way to the next pub - it's not uncommon."
But later footage showed him running away from rival supporters, without his glass.
Burke said he put it in a doorway - or left it on the pavement - after seeing Spurs fans advancing "with weapons in their hands".
Asked about the glass replied: "I put it down so it couldn't be used as a weapon."
Mr Jones asked him: "You knew you were meeting the Tottenham group, didn't you?" The defendant replied: "That’s incorrect."
But the prosecutor said: "You knew there was going to be a fight and you left [the pub] with a glass."
Burke and his co-defendant, Jacob Ball, 19, of Outlands Lane, Curdridge, deny violent disorder.
The trial continues.
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