Two men who were involved in the disorder at a football match in Chester have been sentenced.
Joseph McCormack and Niall Monahan both appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday, due to their behaviour at the Chester FC vs Brackley Town match on Sunday, May 7.
McCormack (28) of West Street, Chester, pleaded guilty to assaulting an officer and invading the pitch. He was handed a five-year football banning order and ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge, as well £120 costs and £200 compensation. He must also complete 15 rehabilitation activity days and wear an alcohol tag which prevents him from drinking alcohol for 120 days.
Monahan (30) of Saddlery Way, Chester, admitted section 4 public order offences and pitch invasion. He was given a three-year football banning order, ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge and £120 costs. He must also complete 40 hours unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity days.
The pair were part of a group of Chester fans who caused disorder after Chester FC lost the play-off match to Brackley Town.
During the incident a number of fans invaded the pitch and were verbally abusive towards police officers and opposition fans; missiles were also thrown towards Brackley Town players and fans.
Intent on causing trouble
PC James Wright said: “The behaviour of both McCormack and Monahan was appalling and it’s clear that they were both intent on causing trouble.
“McCormack not only invaded the pitch, but he also threw an object which struck an officer, which thankfully only caused minor injuries.
“Monahan also invaded the pitch, before verbally abusing the Brackley Town fans as part of his attempts to cause further disorder.
“Thankfully, both men have now been held accountable and will face the consequences of their actions.
“Chester FC faced Brackley Town FC again (yesterday) at that Leap76 stadium and hopefully these prosecutions reassured away supporters that violence will not be tolerated at Chester FC.
“However, this is not the end. There are many more prosecutions to come in relation to this disorder and I hope that these results act as a warning to anyone who is planning on causing trouble at any future matches.”
The football banning orders handed to the pair are civil orders which prevent the men from attending any professional match in England – and abroad – and can also restrict their travel movements at the time of any Chester FC matches.
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