England: football fan banned - 25/01/2007
Source: http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk
A GOLDTHORPE football fan has been banned from attending football matches for three years after video cameras caught him making obscene gestures at a Barnsley match.
Craig Jones, 23, of Hall Street pleaded guilty to using behaviour likely to cause harrassment, alarm and distress when he appeared before Barnsley Magistrates on Monday.
The court heard Jones was in the lower east stand at the match against Leeds United when the offence was recorded.
Jones could be clearly seen standing and making V signs with both hands towards rival supporters when the video was shown to magistrates.
He said he regretted making the gesture and said he had just been "doing it back" to the Leeds fans.
He told magistrates: "I have been going to footbal matches for years and never had any trouble with either supporters or stewards. I have seen this sort of behaviour at every game. This is one incident I will never repeat."
The presiding magistrate pointed out to Jones that such behaviour might have provoked violence or disorder at the match.
Jones admitted that on reflection that this was the case and apologised for his behaviour. He said nobody had complained to the police at the time, but added: "I apologise for what I did. If I am at a football match surrounded by families and children I realise I should conduct myself in a better manner."
Magistrates fined him £50 plus costs and imposed a banning order on Jones attending regulated football matches in England and Wales for three years. Before overseas matches he must report to a police station and surrender his passport.
He was told he could ask for the ban to be revoked after two years.
Yesterday at 4:24 pm by UFW Maltchickers
