A REPENTANT exhibitionist has got his comeuppance – for livening up a deadly dull soccer match.

He said he regrets his actions after being fined £100 for running on to the pitch during a Huddersfield Town game.

Jamie Kanitschew, 29, of Saddleworth, ran on to the Galpharm Stadium pitch wearing just his underpants during Town’s 1-1 draw with Oldham on October 20.

He was fined but escaped a football banning order when he appeared before Huddersfield magistrates yesterday.

Speaking after the hearing, he said: “I am relieved it’s all over and at least I didn’t get a banning order.

“I’m glad I can enjoy more football in future, but without going on the pitch. I do regret it. I have learnt my lesson.”

Kanitschew is not a supporter of either team but had been invited to the game by friends from Huddersfield who were Town fans.

He had been dared by his friends to run on to the pitch and perform a Cossack dance – a nod to his Russian heritage.

He said: “I like to have fun, I am a juvenile at heart so I put myself up for it.

I didn’t plan it, I didn’t even have my best pants on. But fans from both sides seemed to enjoy it.”

The court heard how he took off all his clothes and performed his Cossack dance, first to the Town fans and then to the Oldham supporters.

With both teams applauding him, he was led off the pitch by a steward and arrested by waiting police officers.

Michael Sisson-Pell, defending Kanitschew, told magistrates that had the offence not taken place at a football match, it was unlikely a charge would have been brought.

“Because it was football related, the policy is they are all charged.

“The game was one of those which, maybe too often nowadays, was a little boring.

With the benefit of hindsight he wishes he hadn’t done it. He’s a respectable young man.”

Kanitschew was fined £100 and ordered to pay £43 court costs and a surcharge of £15.

Magistrates decided not to make an order banning him from attending football matches.

Kanitschew graduated three years ago from Huddersfield University with a law degree and masters in business administration.