In a disturbing incident at a recent football match, a 21-year-old Southport FC fan has been banned from attending games for three years after punching a 13-year-old Radcliffe FC supporter in the face.
The attack occurred outside Southport’s Haig Avenue stadium on 16 September, following a 3-2 victory for the Merseyside club over Radcliffe in the FA Cup second round. Merseyside Police reported that Sean Ryan, from Liverpool’s Old Swan area, was walking past the Jack Carr stand when he struck the young victim, leaving him feeling “sore and very distressed.”
Ryan pleaded guilty to assault at Sefton Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to a community order involving 120 hours of unpaid work, as well as being ordered to pay £250 in compensation to the victim. In addition, he has been hit with a three-year football banning order, prohibiting him from attending any regulated football matches in the country.
“The young victim was left very distressed after the incident and this type of violent behaviour has no place in football,” said Merseyside Police Inspector Stuart McLoughlin following the hearing. “Thankfully Ryan quickly admitted the assault after it had happened, and now Ryan is banned from attending any football game in the country.”
McLoughlin emphasised the importance of fans feeling safe at matches, stating: “Everyone should feel safe without any fear when they are attending a football game.”
The incident has been widely condemned, with the football community calling for stronger measures to tackle violence and ensure the safety of all supporters, particularly young fans. As the new season gets underway, authorities will be hoping that this ban serves as a stark warning, deterring similar acts of aggression in the future.