Teenager Banned From Football Matches After Euro 2016 Disorder

A Lancashire teenager who was cautioned by French police for throwing bottles has been banned from football matches in the UK and abroad.

Published 29th Jul 2016

A teenager from Nelson has been banned from attending football matches in the UK and abroad after he was involved in disorder in France during the Euro 2016 Championship.

The 17-year-old boy was handed the civil Football Banning Order after a hearing at Burnley Magistrates today (Friday 29 July).

There were a number of occasions over the last 12 months where the boy was present during football related incidents of disorder and anti-social behaviour. Most recently he was cautioned by French police for throwing bottles during the clashes between Russian and England fans in France, and advised to return back to Lancashire before the end of the tournament.

The order will be in place for three years.

Insp Phil Hutchinson who is the football lead for East Division said: “Violent and anti-social behaviour during football matches is wholly unacceptable and the minority of fans intent on causing trouble should take this as a timely reminder that we do actively pursue banning orders against anyone arrested or involved in disorder at matches in Lancashire and abroad.

“Within East Lancashire, we work closely with Burnley FC, Blackburn Rovers and Accrington Stanley football clubs and if we believe that someone has been involved in or contributed to this type of behaviour, we will compile evidence to support applications for the banning orders and take action against them.

“The vast majority of people who attend football matches are well behaved, law abiding fans who simply want to watch a good match and enjoy the experience, which makes it all the more disappointing when small pockets of fans become involved in unrest.

“We continue to work closely with the UK Football Policing Unit who are leading the UK policing operation, and together we will pursue banning orders against the minority who engaged in disorder.”

Anyone with information or concerns about anti-social behaviour at a football match should speak to police officers or stewards at the ground. Alternatively they can contact police on 101, report it online or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.