Man given football banning order after making stabbing gestures to Blackburn fans

The West Brom supporter made the gestures in the first game of the season at Ewood Park.

Author: Louisa KingPublished 7th Nov 2023
Last updated 7th Nov 2023

A man who made stabbing/ death gestures towards Blackburn Rovers supporters has been given a three-year football banning order.

Gregg Richards was stood in the away end of Ewood Park when he made the threats during the club’s opening day fixture against West Bromwich Albion in August.

The incident was captured on CCTV and mobile phone footage and 24-year-old Richards was quickly identified and detained.

We later charged him with a Section 5 Public Order offence, which he pleaded guilty to today.

Blackburn magistrates ordered Richards, of Upper Church Lane, Tipton, West Midlands, to pay fines, costs and charges totalling £505.

PC Dan Fish said: “This was completely unacceptable behaviour which has no place at a football match. Anyone who behaves in such an appalling way should expect to be put before the courts.” Hear all the latest news from across Lancashire on the hour, every hour, on 97.4FM, DAB, at rockfm.co.uk, and on the Rock FM app.