Three-year ban for football violence
A 26-year-old football supporter has been excluded from all matches for three years following violent disturbances after the Stoke City versus West Bromwich Albion Championship fixture.
Dylon Kirkham, from Abbey Hulton in Stoke-on-Trent, admitted to public order offences committed near the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday, August 30 this year.
Court sentencing and police response
At North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Thursday, November 13, Kirkham received his sentence after pleading guilty to using threatening behaviour with intent to provoke unlawful violence.
The magistrate imposed a three-year football banning order, preventing him from attending any regulated football matches. Additionally, he was given a 12-month community order and must complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
Pc Ben Greensides, Staffordshire Police's dedicated football officer for Stoke City FC, stated: "We worked tirelessly alongside Stoke City FC to investigate this incident and gather the evidence needed to prosecute those responsible."
Incident details and safety message
The trouble erupted at approximately 3pm following the final whistle, when a physical confrontation broke out between groups of home and away supporters. Police were called to the scene near the stadium to restore order.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the altercation. A force spokesperson confirmed Kirkham's arrest at the scene on suspicion of the public order offence.
"I hope this football banning order shows that those who commit offences at and around football clubs in Staffordshire will be prosecuted," Pc Greensides added. "We work hard to ensure that football stadiums are safe places for all without the worry of violence."
