Man charged over pitch dash

London - A man has been charged after he ran onto the pitch and took a free-kick during the English Premiership match at West Ham United, British police announced on Sunday.

Jordan Dunn, 22, from Dover, southeast England, is accused under Section 4 of Britain's Football Offences Act 1991, which forbids people from going onto the pitch without lawful authority or excuse.

The supporter ran on and kicked the ball towards goal as Tottenham Hotspur prepared to take a free-kick during their 1-0 win at Upton Park on Saturday, which was the season's opening day.

His left-foot 'shot' was saved by West Ham goalkeeper Adrian and he was then chased from the pitch by a steward, prompting cheers from the crowd.

Dunn is due to appear in court again on September 1.