Amongst those given a FBO was an 17 yr old Colchester fan who admitted having a smoke flare down his trousers on entry to a stadium
No previous, never in trouble at football
Nice to know supporters and communities are safer now he has a FBO 👍
The football policing unit applied a record number of bans last season.
The ban could mean that person must surrender their passport to police ahead of the euros.
This is to ensure matches are safe for both supporters and local communities.
19 year old fan accused of assaulting steward by pushing during goal celebration found NOT GUILTY after trial today
CCTV clearly showed him act in self-defence
No conviction, no ban
Despite best efforts to portray Holmesdale Fanatics as an anti-authoritarian, anti-police, risk group, CPS application to ban 7 HF members (with no previous history of football violence/disorder) refused by Judge, who instead acknowledged their positive contributions to the club
Me: Officer, in your statement you said you were in fear?
Officer: Yes.
Me: Is this your bodycam footage?
Officer: Yes
Me: Is that you smiling and telling other officers “that was f*cking brilliant!”?
Officer: Yes
Me: Thank you Officer, no further questions
Absolutely buzzing!! 🤩
In court this PM a FBO refused because I argued it was not ‘football related’
At another court Helen Dawson of
@15NBS
wins trial of a young fan accused of threatening behaviour, but was very poorly treated by police
3 fans saved from FBOs this week 💪
Fan who resisted drug search (had no drugs) and swore at police, gets conviction for disorder and initially no ban
CPS appeal and ban imposed
4 MONTHS later his name reported in local press, risk he could lose his job
Seems incredibly unfair to me 🤷🏻♂️
Me in Court this morning:
Legal Advisor: They’re not applying for a FBO are they?? 🤔
Me: Yes, I’m afraid so…🤷🏻♂️
LA: (Looks at prosecutor) For throwing gum at the pitch?? 🤔🤔
Prosecutor: (Sheepishly) Yes we are 🐑
Me: It’s contested
LA: Yes, I expect it is!
3yr FBO overturned on appeal today
Being 2miles away from ground, 1 hr b4 kick off, was not ‘entering/attempting to enter’ in possession of cocaine
Came to me after I represented his co-Def for same&no FBO given
Unfortunately his prev Solicitor told him to just take the ban…
Thanks
@thetimes
!
I was looking for an effective way to demonstrate the normalisation of pyro in the mainstream media.
When I am in Court next week with a young fan convicted for possession of pyro, I will use your lovely picture
Attend court this morning to represent one client 🙍🏼♂️
4 others in court for the same offence🙍🏽♂️🙍🏻♂️🙍♂️🙍🏾♂️
Oppose FBO for my client and FBO refused 😊
4 others then followed suit and also had their FBOs refused! 😊😊😊😊
Excellent magistrates taking a pragmatic view 👨⚖️
Putting forward the right argument against a Football Ban application can mean no ban
Today a Judge was persuaded not to ban my client because of the significant impact the conditions would have on his career
Happy client, happy me! 😊
#footballban
@metpoliceuk
Amongst those given a FBO was an 17 yr old Colchester fan who admitted having a smoke flare down his trousers on entry to a stadium
No previous, never in trouble at football
Nice to know supporters and communities are safer now he has a FBO 👍
🚨🚨 “Football Spectators Act could be used to ban rioters from football”
Govt looking at how existing powers under FSA could be used to impose bans where offence nothing to do with football…🫣
Rioters now, but sets a dangerous precedent for how it could be used in the future
German police very happy with the way England supporters have been behaving
Police chief of Gelsenkirchen has praised behaviour of England fans
German police strategy for dealing with fans is to de-escalate and communicate
After a year of asking for unedited CCTV on a case, which client has always said will prove his innocence
Just days before (3rd) trial date we receive a discontinuance notice
So CCTV has either been lost, or doesn’t support prosecution
Prosecutor in Court this week:
“It’s a football case so we will be applying for a 3yr FBO, which is automatic”
Me: “Urm, no it’s not automatic. The Court can refuse if it thinks it would be unjust”
Prosecutor: “Oh yes, that’s right. So, is it opposed?”
Me: “Yes. It is”
Palace fan Not Guilty of assault by throwing a can at Brighton fans in self defence. Court rejected sole evidence from police officer who “didn’t take my eyes off him“, yet still saw the can hit a male in the crowd 30yds away
Fan spared 3 year ban for “lame throw of an empty plastic bottle” during goal celebration, as Judge finds it was totally out of character and poses no risk of future football related violence or disorder. Previous lawyer had advised him to accept the ban.
@ukhomeoffice
@EURO2024
***CORRECTION***
SHOULD READ:
Real fans ✅
Hooligans ❌
Real fans portrayed as hooligans ❌
Violent and non-violent fans who fail to surrender their passport…
In the past WEEK alone
8 fans represented by Football Law Associates in Courts nationwide (London, Leicester, Exeter, Manchester, Brighton) have ALL avoided FBO’s
🔥 🔥🔥
@Football_Legal
#No2FBO
…so the moral of today’s story:
If you sing with your arms in the air & your team playing M Utd, be careful as a police officer might accuse you of public order offence
Well done to James Bull
@15nbs
who secured an acquittal after a trial today 👏👏👏
“Cocaine+Football=Disorder”
(2021: Baroness Casey Review post Euros)
2022: Law changed so Cocaine+Football=FBO
2023: Arrests+Prosecutions for Cocaine+Football spiked
But, any evidence of linked reduction of football violence?
Or just +£ to Football Police budget for FBO’s…
England fan who defended himself+others against man pepper spray attacker outside Wembley at the England v Italy Euro’s Final in July 2021 UNANIMOUSLY ACQUITTED after a trial
Represented by Football Law Associates
@Football_Legal
@Stuart_Dingle
of
@15NBS
👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥
2 Palace fans,one who was racially abused+assaulted&the other who defended him,both found NOT GUILTY of public order charge after trial at Croydon Magistrates Court today
No convictions or FBO’s for either
Well done to James Bull of
@15NBS
instructed by
@Football_Legal
👏👏👏
Difference between being represented in a football case vs. not:
Me to Prosecutor: You’re not going for a ban are you? Brief pitch encroachment, no previous etc. You won’t get one
Prosecutor: I was, but after the last case I had with you (7xFBO app refused),I don’t think I will
CPS drop FBO application against 19yr old Sheffield fan with no previous convictions, cautions, FBO’s etc 1 day before hearing, after receiving written legal argument from us
@Football_Legal
and Conditionally Discharged at 1st Appearance.
DOUBLE ACQUITTAL!!
2 fans charged with using violence found not guilty after trial
One of clearest cases of self defence / defence of another I’ve seen on CCTV
So why were they prosecuted? 🤔
Because they were going to a match and 2 convictions means 2 more FBOs 🤷🏻♂️
2 great results for
@football_legal
clients in Court this morning! Both facing FBO’s:
1. Wimbledon fan. Pitch incursion. Discharged/no FBO.
2. Huddersfield fan-Possession of a smoke grenade. Fined/no FBO.
Both had been thinking of self-rep’ing&now very pleased they didn’t!
Another day, another young fan with no record being prosecuted for picking up a lit smoke flare
Now he’ll have a conviction on his record as he enters the workplace
All for a FBO which the Court may refuse anyway
Such a shame
Case dropped 🏆
Just given client good news!
After being wrongly ID’d for assault, he was charged with drunk in sports ground
Went to court, NG plea, trial fixed
Bodyworn served & showed he wasn’t drunk
Prosecution discontinued after representations
Legal representation at the Police Station is free for EVERYONE
This is a conversation we have daily with fans contacted by police to attend a voluntary interview:
@henrywinter
They wouldn’t be ‘handed’ a Banning Order.
The Police and CPS would apply for a Ban upon conviction and that application can (and should in most cases) be contested.
We are expecting the Magistrates’ Courts to be overwhelmed with these prosecutions.
🚨Currently there’s a ‘blanket policy’ to Prosecute & Ban ANYONE caught with cocaine at football
🚨This applies even to 1st time offenders, who previously would’ve been given a FPN or Caution
In 1 week I’ve been in Court with 3 people for this, none had ever been in trouble b4
Today we reduced an 8yr ban to 4yrs. The prev rep & Judge hadn’t realised 5-10yr can only be given if IMMEDIATE prison(not suspended)
In a different court the CPS were stopped from applying for a FBO because required notice had not been given
Knowledge is key🔐
@Football_Legal
End of an eventful week:
Monday: Stop Southend Utd fan receive a ban for pitch encroachment 🔥🔥
Friday: Stop Spurs fan who kicked Ramsdale going to jail 🔥🔥🔥
Time for a 🍺
@miller_element
It’s for the ‘deterrent’ effect ie ‘mess about abroad & this will happen to you’ (& for next episode of Football Cops)
In my experience, judges are often less than impressed when asked to list these cases at short notice, when they have more pressing work & a backlog to clear
Q: In what sane world could a person be said to be “at a match”, “entering a ground” or “trying to enter a ground”, whilst being 2 MILES away, over 1 HOUR before kick-off?? 🤔
A: When you’re facing an application for a Football Ban in the Magistrates’ Court
To prove a person threw a missile there must actually be some evidence of an object being thrown. Trial yesterday thrown out after half-time because only evidence was CCTV showing an arm movement, but no object in the persons hand/leaving it. No conviction, no FBO, off to Wembley
Another not guilty/no FBO result today for a lifelong Chelsea fan who defended his 17 year old son by pushing away a man he mistakenly thought had kicked his son and was about to harm him. Pleased he contacted FSF/Football Law
***CORRECTION***
SHOULD READ:
Real fans ✅
Hooligans ❌
Real fans portrayed as hooligans ❌
Violent and non-violent fans who fail to surrender their passport…
Real fans ✅
Hooligans ❌
Violent fans who fail to surrender their passport or try to travel to Germany for
@EURO2024
could face an unlimited fine or up to 6 months in prison.
FFS now “the recent disorder seen at Wolves v W Brom” is being used to convince judges of rising levels of violence and disorder at football and impose FBOs…😮💨
in cases where no violence or disorder occurred 🤯
Guess it was only a matter of time…
#FBO
If a lit flare lands at your feet do you:
a) pick it up & throw it away
b) pick it up & pass it to someone else
c) pick it up & try to get stewards attention to take it away
d) wait for it to go out
If you did anything except d, you’d be prosecuted & could receive a 3yr ban
@FansHaveRights
The Criminal Justice System (including the police) is at breaking point due to government cuts and years of chronic underfunding
However, when it comes to policing / prosecuting football offences, no expense is spared-even for minor offences
Because it’s political
💥3 x Bans refused at Magistrates Court
💥1 x Discontinued prosecution for a Caution
💥1 x Non activation of a Crown Court Suspended Sentence
Not bad for a week’s work
@Football_Legal
3 year ban given for brief ‘goal celebration’ pitch incursion, successfully overturned on Appeal at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Original sentencing Judge did not give proper consideration to the leading Court of Appeal authority and Defendants good character.
Chloe Carvell of
@15NBS
instructed by Football Law Associates
@Football_Legal
successfully contests FBO application for young fan with no previous for celebrating a goal with a smoke flare
3 things our clients often tell us they wish they’d known before being arrested at a football match:
1. You don’t have to pay for a Solicitor
2. Asking for a Solicitor doesn’t mean you’re guilty
3. Not asking for a Solicitor doesn’t mean you will be released any sooner
Another young fan with no previous record spared a FBO today after James Bull barrister
@15NBS
successfully defeated FBO application at Manchester Magistrates Court 👏👏👏
Father and son (a youth with ADHD and no convictions), both in Court today facing charge of “drinking in view of the pitch”. 🍺🍺👀👀⚽️⚽️
Youth referred back for an out of Court disposal and CPS confirm applying for an FBO for dad (to the apparent exasperation of the Judge)
Our client today had his FBO quashed on Appeal after wrongly imposed at Magistrates’ Court
His 2 co-defendants did NOT contest the FBO at 1st appearance. They were both given 3 year FBO’s
This perfectly makes the point that you can avoid a FBO, but you do have to contest it
It’s been a long, but rewarding week 😮💨😮💨😮💨
Starting with a case dismissed half way through trial on Mon and ending with an acquittal after trial today 💪
Another 5 clients represented by
@Football_Legal
this week have been spared FBO’s
Another successfully opposed FBO application under the new ‘unjust’ test (PCSC Act 2022).
I suspect this wasn’t what Priti Patel had hoped for when she changed the Law….
Good to see Magistrates’ Justices adopting a common sense approach to the use of their discretion.
‘Football client’ vs ‘non-football client’
Football client Fined on a ‘Fine only’ offence & no FBO: “Thank you SO much!! I’d like to get you a bottle of something”🙏🤗🍾
Non-football client facing prison, gets case dropped: “Can you get my property back from police”🫤🤯💩
Thanks to the magistrates’ I had today for correctly applying the law&refusing CPS application for an FBO where no evidence that offence was ‘football related’ other than that it took place when Defendant travelling home from a match (4hrs later).
Me in Court this morning:
Legal Advisor: They’re not applying for a FBO are they?? 🤔
Me: Yes, I’m afraid so…🤷🏻♂️
LA: (Looks at prosecutor) For throwing gum at the pitch?? 🤔🤔
Prosecutor: (Sheepishly) Yes we are 🐑
Me: It’s contested
LA: Yes, I expect it is!
Bournemouth fan given lifetime club ban wins Appeal against Court imposed Football Banning Order. Represented by
@Football_Legal
and Paul Jones of
@stapleinn
chambers.
When the Senior Judge at one of the busiest Courts in London (known for being particularly tough on football offences) remarks on an “exceptionally well drafted legal argument” before then refusing the application for a FBO; it doesn’t get much better than that in this game! 😊
I’m rarely lost for words, BUT…
I have just been in Court with a simple possession cocaine at football where CPS had told me no application for FBO being made, then stood up just before sentencing (after mitigation) to say they are now applying.
No one is saying drug use at football is acceptable
Sadly, drug use is a societal issue
This is targeting and punishing one particular group (Football fans) differently from everyone else
🚨Currently there’s a ‘blanket policy’ to Prosecute & Ban ANYONE caught with cocaine at football
🚨This applies even to 1st time offenders, who previously would’ve been given a FPN or Caution
In 1 week I’ve been in Court with 3 people for this, none had ever been in trouble b4
Yesterday a 20yr old with no record was banned for 3yrs for possessing a flare.CPS told Magistrates they MUST ban him under new Law
NO 😡
If there’s some factor about offence or offender meaning a ban would be UNJUST (like him losing his job) they need NOT impose one
Appeal
@FairCop_
“It is a great concern that fans are demonised and that has a negative effect on fan’s behaviour”.
Zero evidence that standing would increase hate chanting, racism, cocaine use and sneaking in alcohol. It is a very weak argument which affects the credibility of the police.
Pleased to confirm that ban application for this case successfully defeated after a fully contested hearing!
Still totally unfair that one person has no ban application and another had to come back to Court a second time and face fully contested ban application
I’m rarely lost for words, BUT…
I have just been in Court with a simple possession cocaine at football where CPS had told me no application for FBO being made, then stood up just before sentencing (after mitigation) to say they are now applying.
We were able to achieve an excellent outcome for a father and son caught up in an incident at an away game and charged with disorder
Prosecution halted and youth caution for the son and reduced charge for dad
Neither received a FBO
Fan who accidentally cracked a tv display screen on concourse acquitted of criminal damage after trial
Represented by
@Football_Legal
He was unaware of the screen (which was switched off) and accidentally struck it whilst singing “Follow, Follow, Follow” chant
At the beginning of his case this person had little hope of success & was close to accepting defeat 😮💨
He was encouraged to maintain his defence & this week on the day of trial, the case was dropped 🏆
After 6 long months he can finally return to games with his son 💙⚽️
This happens all the time. You won’t be released quicker if you don’t get a Solicitor.
We have reps all over the country who can usually get to the police station within 45 minutes, at any time of day.
Free of charge.
Warning to fans about ‘homophobic’ Chelsea chant
A thread🧵
1. Early this year a 63yr old Championship club fan with no previous was arrested at an FA cup tie against Chelsea for repeating a chant he heard, which is now classed as homophobic abuse
This just about sums up MPs attitude towards British football fans at home v abroad:
Ticketless fans gain entry at Wembley described as “hordes of mindless thugs", justifying laws which could see them prosecuted and banned
Olivia English of
@23essexstreet
overturns FBO on appeal of fan who briefly picked up smoke flare 👏👏👏
20yrs old, no previous, with MH and has taken over a year to get here.
During which he has suffered damage to reputation and loss of employment 😩
Literally the case before was IDENTICAL(small amount,no previous etc) and CPS did NOT apply for FBO, Court considered and did NOT make a FBO
The Court would not be persuaded that it would be unjust and adjourned for fully contested FBO application 🤯
Absolutely no consistency!!
Surprising how many people charged with an offence the police say is “football related”, think they’ll automatically get an FBO. It may not be football related and an FBO certainly isn’t automatic, but you do need specialist advice
@Football_Legal
Legal visit this morning. Usually cycle 10 mins. Torrential rain so drove. 40 mins stuck in traffic. Ditched car. Walked 15 mins in rain. Soaked through finally arrive 1hr late to be informed client transferred to another prison 2 weeks ago.
Unfortunately his ‘line manager’ then told him he MUST apply. Luckily a very sensible Magistrate (with football offences knowledge) questioned why, when no violence or disorder, agreed to hear from me on the law re FBO’s, then refused the application outright.
Prosecutor in court today tells me magistrates now push to deal with contested FBO apps at 1st appearance as they are “automatic” following conviction
WRONG😤
They are NOT automatic & defence should be given opportunity to obtain evidence to support opposition argument
On a serious note:
Any Mariners travelling with inflatable ‘Harry Haddocks’ please resist the temptation to donk anyone over the head with it.
You could end up in Court 🫤:
Thousands of Grimsby Town fans will head to Southampton armed with inflatable 'Harry Haddocks' to wave at their FA Cup tie.
As
#BBCBreakfast
learned they first became popular more than 30 years ago
He ought to have been hailed as a hero imv.
Instead, because it was football, he was portrayed as a hooligan, face splashed all over internet for 2 weeks resulting in loss of his job & reputation damage
Not to mention the threat of prison hanging over him for 2 years!
Another trophy prosecution in pursuit of headlines and a FBO. The jury unanimously accepted this was self defence - what did they see that the police/CPS didn’t 🤔
In the two years waiting for trial the fan lost his job and suffered greatly, an unwarranted punishment in itself.
The pressure put on Defendants to plead guilty&accept FBO at 1st appearance is overwhelming. The police regularly attend Court to support the CPS, both of whom assume an FBO will be made.Client today expressed how pleased he was that he was represented. NG plea&contesting FBO!
This is just wrong on so many levels 😮💨
1. A fan should be free to express a view about their club without fear of reprisals
2. A club can’t impose a ‘banning order’. Only a Court can do that. This is a club ban
3. Doesn’t say duration, reason, where from, appeals process…
We've seen a lot of these in the past 24hrs. If you've received this email contact info
@thefsa
.org.uk
Supporters should be free to make fair and legitimate criticisms of any club owner without fear of punitive bans.
No exceptions.
6 months since possession of a class A drug became a football ban offence.
The only time I’ve seen a Court impose a ban was where person had no legal representation and didn’t challenge.
Every case I’ve challenged so far, no ban given.
Fantastic result for Leeds fan who’s over-exuberant goal celebration by climbing onto pitch could’ve landed him a hefty fine + 3 year ban. Instead given a conditional discharge and ban dismissed. Represented by
@Football_Legal
and Sean Smith of
@ExchangeC
Outrageous behaviour by Legal Adviser today at contested ban hearing
Tried to prevent bench reading our legal argument opposing ban
@zarreentweets
insisted the bench read the argument
They did, then REFUSED the ban
Strong representation is key when opposing FBO applications!
FBO previously made by Magistrates Court for throwing a shoe towards playing area, overturned on Appeal at Leeds Crown Court today. Thanks to Emily Hassell
@ExchangeC
Just been speaking with a fan who was told by police he would have to wait a long time if he wanted a Solicitor
He wanted to leave asap so agreed to interview without a Solicitor
Was then kept in a cell for a further 6 hours
🏆Enjoy the Cup Final this afternoon!🏆
If you’re heading over to Wembley & something unexpected happens which results in your arrest, PLEASE remember:
Legal representation at the police is FREE
You can choose your solicitor - so just ask for Football Law & we’ll help you 👍
Is it really that much of a problem that it requires a new law? 🤔
Should the police be involved, or should it be a matter for the club??🤔
Is it serious enough to receive a conviction and be banned from football for 3 years???🤔
‘Like’ - Yes
‘RT’ - No
The Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Bill is due to have its 2nd reading in the HofC on 23 February 2024
It would create a new offence of unauthorised entry and attempt to gain unauthorised entry to designated football matches in England and Wales
A court must impose a FBO following conviction of a football offence unless it would be “unjust”
What amounts to ‘unjust’ depends on the individual circumstances of offence and the person…
…and how they are presented to the court!