Police to blow whistle on football-related disorder
| Published: 12th August 2008 11:11 |
With the new football season underway police have warned they are not prepared to tolerate anti social behaviour or any form of football-related hooliganism.
The police have pledged to continue their robust policy of taking a tough line with those involved in football-related hooliganism by taking offenders to court and seeking football banning orders.
More than 50 football hooligans have football banning orders in the Avon and Somerset force area.
The force's football intelligence desk officer Roger Thayer said last season saw a slight increase in arrests in the force area against a general national trend of reducing football-related offences.
Last season 163 people were arrested, compared with 137 the previous year. However this can be offset against the increased number of cup games clubs were involved with and also operations carried out by British Transport Police.
"In 2007-08 at Bristol City home and away fixtures a total of 96 people were arrested - 88 of whom were City supporters. Bristol Rovers fixtures saw 64 arrested with two thirds of the total (45) Rovers fans. Our third football league side - Yeovil Town - saw just three arrests but they were all from the Somerset club.
Roger Thayer added: "As a result of the arrests 14 received football banning orders, which prevents their attendance at any regulated football match for a period of between three and five years, if not subjected to a custodial sentence. For those who were imprisoned the banning order extends to a period of between six and 10 years. One person sentenced to a four month prison term received a six-year football banning order.
"Other conditions requested on a FBO may include exclusion zones around stadia before and after home fixtures, a day-long ban on travel to towns and cities, where away matches.
"There are still others in the criminal justice system awaiting trial for football-related disorder," said Roger.
In addition, nine summonses were served on 'fans' identified by intelligence as being involved in football disorder and seven FBOs were granted by magistrates. The duration of these orders will run between three and five years, however one person was given a four-year banning order because of previous convictions.
Forcewide there are 53 people being monitored by police, who have banning orders.
Supt Adrian Coombs, who oversees the football operation said: "In Avon and Somerset we work closely with police colleagues across the country to identify and build intelligence profiles on known "risk" supporters and those on the fringes. This, together with partnership work with our local football league clubs, enables us to target those intent on disrupting games or causing problems in the community before and after games. This enables us to create a safe and enjoyable environment for families visiting games in Avon and Somerset.
"Not only do Avon and Somerset football officers look at match-day disorder but also carry out enquiries based on intelligence received. Three such enquiries have been held during the past 12 months. Four people are currently awaiting trial at Bristol Crown Court for one incident and four others have already appeared in court. Two five-year FBOs were imposed as the result, highlighting the severity of the offences.
"The message from Avon and Somerset police is - enjoy your football at our three league clubs but if your intention is to try to disrupt games or spoil the enjoyment for genuine fans, you are likely to end up with a football banning order," said Supt Coombs.
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