Football fan banned for Reading FC pitch invasion

A man has been sentenced after he was convicted for running on the field at a Reading FC football match.

William Cullum, aged 19, of All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead, was given a three-year football banning order after he pleaded guilty to going on to the playing area at a football match in a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 31 January.

Football banning orders are made by the courts to help prevent violence or disorder at, or in connection with, regulated football matches. The banning order prevents Cullum from attending any football matches in the United Kingdom.

What is a banning order?

The Football Banning Order also places restrictions on Cullum attending certain regulated football matches outside of the United Kingdom with a requirement to attend a police station to surrender travel documents when instructed to do so as well as a requirement to notify the police of any change in name or address. Failure to obey the order carries a sentence of up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine for each offence.

Sentence

Cullum was also ordered pay costs and a victim surcharge totalling £111.

The sentence relates to an incident that occurred at the Reading FC match against Ipswich Town on 29 August last year at the Select Car Leasing Stadium where Cullum entered the playing field.

Reaction

Dedicated Football Officer, PC Steve Mountain, said: “I welcome the court imposing this banning order on Cullum following his actions last August.

“These orders not only restrict supporters convicted of football-related offences watching the team they follow but apply to all regulated football matches in the United Kingdom and some international matches and tournaments as well.

“Football matches should be a safe place for all people and Thames Valley Police will always deal with incidents at football matches seriously and apply for Football Banning Orders where appropriate.”