Liverpool fans accused of abusing Phil Neville were banned from football matches while their case goes through court.

The two Reds supporters face charges they abused the Everton captain during last month's Merseyside derby, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Michael Anthony Blackmore, 48, of Dundale Road, Old Swan, and Ian Golder, 39, of Haselbeech Crescent, Norris Green, are charged with common assault.

They were arrested after a police investigation into allegations that Everton captain Phil Neville was spat on and punched by fans as he prepared to take a throw-in during the ill-tempered meeting of the red and blue halves of the city.

Blackmore is accused of punching Neville and Golder is accused of spitting at him.

During a two-minute court hearing at the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre the men, who did not enter pleas, were banned from attending any major football matches before their next court appearance on April 24.