The scene of Mark Shane's jersey-burning party, held in response to players' National Anthem protests, on his property in Swansea in September. (Bernice Corpuz/WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
SWANSEA (WBZ-AM) -- A man who hosted a New England Patriots jersey-burning party in September is appealing the $400 fine he got for burning his jersey.
Mark Shane of Swansea held the burning because he was angry that several Patriots players took a knee during the National Anthem.
The event had the support of some 100 supporters.
But the town's fire chief objected to the protest's tactics, and cited Shane for illegal burning.
The fired-up fan is appealing the four non-criminal charges on First Amendment grounds.
Shane's attorney said that, if any of the counts are upheld, they're ready to go through the court system.
A town administrative officer is expected to rule in a few weeks.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kendall Buhl reports