Saltney Ferry man banned from all UK football matches
A Chester supporter has been banned from attending any football match in the UK for the next three years after abusing players, coaching staff and opposing supporters following an away fixture.
Police were called after Worksop Town’s home game against Chester FC in the National League North or South on 30 August last year.
The incident happened at Windsor Foodservice Stadium on Sandy Lane, Worksop, where Lee Newman entered the away dressing room without permission after the final whistle.
Once inside, the 44-year-old shouted insults and made threats towards Chester players and members of the coaching staff.
He later went outside the stadium, where he was filmed pushing and shouting abuse at opposing supporters.
Newman, of Bradshaw Avenue, Saltney Ferry, Chester, was identified following the incident and later pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence. He also admitted entering an area adjacent to the playing area, namely the changing rooms.
Appearing at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on 3 February, Newman was handed a Football Banning Order preventing him from attending any football match in the UK for three years. He was also ordered to pay £837 in penalties.
PC Lee Ryan, of the Worksop North neighbourhood policing team, said:
“A vast majority of fans attending the match did so peacefully and were there to rightfully show support for their local team.
“Individuals who behave in this manner, however, give football clubs – and football supporters in general – a bad reputation, and this will never be tolerated by the force.
“As Worksop Town have been newly promoted, we want to reassure supporters that we are there to make sure their fixtures go ahead without a hitch.
“So, whether incidents happen inside or outside of the stadiums, supporters should know that any reckless, disorderly or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and that we will actively seek banning orders where appropriate.”
In a statement, Chester FC said the man had already been issued with an indefinite club ban after being identified from CCTV footage.
The club said: “As a fan-owned club, we will always defend and respect supporters’ right to ask questions and criticise. However, we do not believe vile abuse, personal attacks, and physical threats are warranted under any circumstances, and have a zero-tolerance policy for such behaviour.”
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