The supporter, named Matthew Stott, pleaded guilty to pitch encroachment and using threatening behaviour.

He received the match ban and a 56-day prison sentence, suspended for a year, as well as a three-month curfew and 120 hours community service.

District Judge Richardson did reserve praise for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, who intervened to stop the fan from reaching Ferdinand.

"As a follower of football the level of passion connected with kicking a ball around is difficult for many to comprehend," Richardson told the court.

"You may very well have excited a huge popular response by supporters of the other team. Thanks to Mr Hart that did not happen.

"This has to be a custodial sentence which I will suspend but you are lucky you are not going straight down."

The incident occurred after Robin van Persie scored a last-minute winner to put United 3-2 up against their cross-city rivals.

Several Manchester United players ran to the stands to celebrate, sparking angry scenes in which Ferdinand was first hit in the face with a coin.

Stott was also ordered to pay 145 pounds, while several other supporters were handed sanctions relating to incidents that took place during the same match.