Sean Ryan, 21, punched a 13-year-old boy in the face following the Southport versus Radcliffe FA Cup game at Southport Stadium on Thursday September 16
A football fan who punched a 13-year-old boy at a match has been slapped with a three-year banning order.
Sean Ryan, aged 21, punched the youngster in the face following the Southport versus Radcliffe FA Cup match at Southport Stadium on thursday, 16 September.
Ryan, a Southport fan, strolled past The Jack Carr Stand and launched an ‘unprovoked attack’ on the teenager, according to police. Stadium staff apprehended him, and he later admitted to common assault.
On Thursday 15 January, Ryan, from Old Swan, Liverpool, appeared at Sefton Magistrates’ Court. He was handed a three-year football banning order, sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to cough up £250 in compensation, plus court costs.
The assaulted teenager, a Radcliffe supporter, was reportedly ‘very distressed’ by the incident and suffered soreness as a result.
Inspector Stuart McLoughlin commented: “The young victim was left very distressed after the incident and this type of violent behaviour has no place in football. Thankfully Ryan quickly admitted the assault after it had happened, and now Ryan is banned from attending any football game in the country”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“Everyone should feel safe without any fear when they are attending a football game. We will work to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing any form of unacceptable and violent behaviour at football matches.
“I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted.”
Southport Stadium, officially known as the Merseyrail Community Stadium, is home to Southport FC, located at Haig Avenue. It has a 7,000 capacity and features two main stands, undergoing recent upgrades with new seating, corporate facilities, and cladding, funded by club directors, grants, and sponsorship.
