Five year ban for violent football fan

A man from the West Midlands has been banned from football matches for five years after assaulting a steward during a match between Chesterfield and Walsall.

Daniel James McCarthy, 25, of Walsall Wood Road, Walsall, pleaded guilty to the offence which took place at the Proact Stadium on Saturday, March 12.

Mr McCarthy attended Chesterfield Justice Centre on Tuesday, March 29 and magistrates also sentenced Mr McCarthy to an 18 week prison sentence, suspended for one year.

He is also required to complete 80 hours unpaid work and to pay £100 compensation to the victim, along with £85 court costs.

PC Roger Brown, of the Football Intelligence Team for North Division, said: “We have a proven track record in targeting football related disorder, in partnership with Chesterfield FC, and the safety of spectators, players and officials at all our football fixtures is our prime concern.

“Mr. McCarthy assaulted a club steward who was only trying to do his job. He will now miss all regulated football for five years, which will include the Euro 2016 tournament in France and the World Cup in Russia in 2018. I hope this sends out a clear message that when appropriate we will apply for football banning orders.”