Pitch invasions-Passion or Hooliganism
Paul Fitzsimmons
Master of Dad Jokes, HR Support, Conveyancing, and Criminal Mastermind. (Just protecting you, Obviously not doing crime) 0114 478 6269
This week has brought lot of focus onto the sport.
This weekend will also have its share as so much is to be won and lost on the final day. After the terrible events that unfolded at Hillsborough in 1989 we can’t go back to fencing but with these events many are calling for this or point deductions.
I feel for the stewards as they don’t get paid a great deal for trying to stop these things and are on a hiding to nothing and this is a massive issue for HR as is what if your staff member is pictured in these invasions and that then brings your company into disrepute.
That’s a topic for another day though. So I thought I’d share some information on what could happen to fans to try and educate as to the consequences.
Invading the pitch is a criminal offence under the 1991 Football (Offences) Act?which was brought in after fences around pitches were banned in response to the Hillsborough disaster
Football has changed substantially over the last 30 years – whereas English fans previously had a reputation for widespread violence and hooliganism, such problems are far less common than they were in the 1980s. However, there does continue to be incidences of violence that threaten the safety of others attending football matches or members of the general public. Football banning orders are one of the legal methods used to combat football-related violence and disorder.
What is a football banning order?
A football banning order is a civil order – rather than criminal - which may be imposed following a conviction for a football-related offence. When the offence in question involves violence, a football banning order must always be made by the court. For lesser offences, the court must put in place a banning order if it is satisfied that doing so would prevent future acts of football-related disorder or violence.
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It is not a requirement that an individual has been convicted of a criminal offence before a football banning order can also be imposed. Even in cases where someone has been acquitted of a football-related offence, the police can still apply for a banning order if they believe doing so will prevent future violence or disorder.
What is a football-related offence?
There is no specific definition for what constitutes an offence as football-related – but for an application for a football banning order to be successful, it must be shown that the offence could be considered as such. To demonstrate this, the Crown may rely on evidence such as tickets, programmes, or the wearing of football colours or strips. The behaviour does not need to take place at a football ground – these offences can take place many miles away and still be considered football-related.
What restrictions can someone who is the subject of a football banning order face?
As well as being prevented from attending football matches, an individual may be restricted from entering specified areas. This could include the area surrounding football grounds, public houses or other areas that are considered likely ‘hotspots' for violence if matches are taking place. They may also be barred from travelling on public transport on the day of a game. Other common restrictions include the requirement to hand over passports during periods where international matches or tournaments are taking place, and to report to a local police station during control periods.
So please enjoy the match and have your passion but please for the sake of all other fans don’t be a prat and spoil it for everyone. Lets enjoy our sport and keep everyone’s safety at the front of our mind.
If you have any questions or need help please. Contact our Specialist Football Banning Order Solicitors in London, Sheffield and Manchester.
Our lawyers are based in London, Sheffield and Manchester and assist clients throughout England and Wales. Contact us today on 0808 278 3508 or fill in our online contact form to find out how we can help.
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2 年These morons, are societys problem, who attach themselves to football. Often loners, misfits and inadequate, who find 'comfort' in the tribal nature of the game. So called passion is no excuse for this, its an 9ffence for a reason. Fences were needed, back in the day, for good reason. They played their part in people dying, but these morons behaviour suggests, they should be caged in. I hate football, sometimes.
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2 年I’ve just come across this post Paul Fitzsimmons so we now know that Leeds pulled through by the skin of their teeth.
Master of Dad Jokes, HR Support, Conveyancing, and Criminal Mastermind. (Just protecting you, Obviously not doing crime) 0114 478 6269
2 年Gary Neville thanks for backing up my point. Too many idiots going on the pitch
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2 年Want Leeds to stay up????
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2 年Fascinating read as ever Paul. I heard a bit about this on the radio and apparently people had been messaging the radio station asking how can invading the pitch be a criminal offence. Well it is - just because the vast majority of people think it is a lovely thing to do to go on the pitch st the end of the last game of the season - the fact is it is an offence. Just because the police use common sense abs cannot arrest everyone does not mean it is not an offence so people should be sensible. One of the issues is that football is often an emotional game that sense sometimes goes out of the window.