This is the moment a boxing fan was surrounded by security guards before being thrown out of the stadium - for wearing a Union Jack waistcoat.

James Baxter, 39, was watching Josh Warrington take on Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena on December 22 when staff complained about his clothing emblazoned with the red, white and blue flag.

Guards said it broke the arena's "no colours" policy and asked him to remove the garment. James said he followed their request before putting on the waistcoat when he left the stand to visit the bar.

But he was still wearing the waistcoat when he returned to his seat to watch the boxing match, causing angry scenes as a dozen guards in yellow jackets surrounded him. He was later removed from the stadium after allegedly becoming aggressive towards the staff.

James said: ''They told me to leave, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It's ridiculous. I just kept saying no. I kept telling them to stop touching me - I told them they had no right but they just got more staff.''

James said that after entering the arena, nobody told him to remove the garment. He was met by British Transport Police and ejected at around 9pm, shortly before the main fight.

Manchester Arena admitted James was ordered to remove his Union Jack waistcoat but claimed he later became aggressive, which lead to him being removed.

A spokesman said: ''As is standard procedure for all arena boxing events, football and/or rugby colours are not permitted into the venue. The said ticketholder was asked on three separate occasions to cover up his waistcoat but refused."

This is the moment a boxing fan was surrounded by security guards before being thrown out of the stadium - for wearing a Union Jack waistcoat.

James Baxter, 39, was watching Josh Warrington take on Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena night when staff complained about his clothing emblazoned with the red, white and blue flag.

Guards said it broke the arena's 'no colours' policy and asked him to remove the garment. James said he followed their request before putting on the waistcoat when he left the stand to visit the bar.

But he was still wearing the waistcoat when he returned to his seat to watch the boxing match, causing angry scenes as a dozen guards in yellow jackets surrounded him. He was later removed from the stadium after allegedly becoming aggressive towards the staff.

James said said: ''They told me to leave, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It's ridiculous. I just kept saying no. I kept telling them to stop touching me - I told them they had no right but they just got more staff.''

James said that after entering the arena, nobody told him to remove the garment. He was met by British Transport Police and ejected at around 9pm, shortly before the main fight.

Manchester Arena admitted James was ordered to remove his Union Jack waistcoat but claimed he later became aggressive, which lead to him being removed.

A spokesman said: ''As is standard procedure for all arena boxing events, football and/or rugby colours are not permitted into the venue. The said ticketholder was asked on three separate occasions to cover up his waistcoat but refused.