Teenager banned from football after brawl before Peterborough v Cambridge

It happened last October

Charters Bar, Town Bridge
Author: Henry WinterPublished 28th Mar 2023
Last updated 28th Mar 2023

A teenager has been banned from attending football matches for three years - after a disorder between fans at a game between Peterborough and Cambridge United last year.

An operation was launched following the game at the Weston Homes Stadium in London Road, Peterborough, on 29 October, resulting in 47 people being identified and interviewed as part of the pockets of disorder.

Eddie Lively, 18, of Teversham Road, Fulbourn, Cambridge, was identified as part of a group involved in a brawl at Charters Bar, Town Bridge, before the game which kicked off at 3pm.

With the pub housing both sets of fans, all began well-natured with fans chanting at each other, however, as time passed, supporters from both sides became more volatile and began goading each other.

Drinks and food were thrown, before it turned into a brawl which had to be broken up by police and the bar’s security.

Lively appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (23/7) where he admitted using threatening words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence – a section 4 public order offence.

He was fined ÂŁ350 and must also pay ÂŁ105 in court costs and a ÂŁ140 victim surcharge.

He was also made subject of a three-year Football Banning Order (FBO).

Five other men also appeared in court on Thursday, charged with the same offence:

  • A 19-year-old man from Cambridge
  • A 20-year-old man from Cambridge
  • A 20-year-old man from Ely
  • An 18-year-old man from Cambridge
  • A 26-year-old man from North Walsham, Norfolk

Their hearings were adjourned until 20 April.

Seven men have all been issued conditional cautions in relation to the disorder at Charters Bar, while one remains under investigation and two will have no further action taken against them.

To date, 47 people have been identified and interviewed as part of the overall investigation, 21 of whom have been charged with either a section 4 or section 5 public order offence and one with criminal damage.

Inspector Shish Thind, who is leading the investigation, said: “What started out as friendly chanting back and forth turned became more volatile, seemingly fuelled by alcohol consumption.

“I hope the action taken as a result of this investigation serves as a warning to others that this behaviour will not be tolerated – football matches should be enjoyable and safe events for families to attend, and behaviour such as this is wholly unacceptable.”

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