A 21-year-old man has been handed a three-year Football Banning Order at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on Thursday July 27th after being convicted of disorderly behaviour and throwing an article capable of causing injury, namely a water balloon
Jay David Thompson (22) of Braeside Grove in Belfast, was also ordered to do 120 hours of Community Service. It follows an "incident of disorder" at a Larne vs Linfield football match on April 21st 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 regulated 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.”