A 44-year-old man was today, Thursday 21st March, handed a Football Banning Order and a 150 hours Community Service Order after being convicted of Assault on Police at Ballymena Magistrates Court.
Jason Kennedy, who is from the Coleraine area, has been banned after he punched a police officer following a football match between Ballymena United and Coleraine Football Club at Ballymena Showgrounds on 26th December, 2023.
Detective Sergeant Kitchen said:
“We welcome this banning order and hope that it is a warning to those who are intent on causing trouble before, during or after matches, that they will be dealt with robustly.
"Football related offending causes direct harm to law abiding supporters, those who volunteer and work in football grounds and in the communities surrounding local football grounds.
“This individual will be unable to attend any domestic matches for three years, and I believe this will send a clear message to fans that any reckless, disorderly or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and that we, as a police service, will actively seek banning orders for anyone brought before the courts.
“We will continue to work with local football clubs, fan groups, Northern Ireland Football League and the Irish Football Association to address any criminal activity linked to people attending football matches.”