Video shows moment fan makes obscene gesture before Barnsley supporter runs onto pitch - and gets banned
This is the moment a football fan stormed the pitch and made a lewd gesture at rival fans - landing himself and a Barnsley fan banning orders.
Reilly Wood, aged 25, entered the playing field at Reading's Select Car Leasing Stadium on January 25 when The Royals played Barnsley.
Wood towards the Barnsley fans in the away area and made the lewd gesture before picking up a corner flag - as seen in footage.
His actions then prompted Barnsley fan Brandon Bashforth, 28, to headbutt a steward before storming the pitch and running towards the home section.
Both men were arrested and charged the next day and at two hearings at Reading Magistrates’ Court last week, both men were handed three-year long football banning orders.
The orders mean they cannot attend any regulated football matches in the UK, and may be required to surrender their passport to police before overseas matches, such as during the World Cup.
Wood pleaded guilty to entering the playing area of a football pitch and was ordered to pay £205 in fines and costs alongside his ban.
Bashforth pleaded guilty to assault by beating, entering the playing area of a football pitch, and using threatening words and behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
He was ordered to pay £985 in fines, victim compensation, and costs, alongside his ban.
Thames Valley Police’s PC Steve Mountain said: “A pitch invasion is not a harmless act – it is dangerous, irresponsible and puts players, staff and supporters at risk.
“This behaviour has absolutely no place in football.
“Wood has now been issued with a football banning order, which prevent him from attending regulated fixtures, and puts restrictions on travel during major international football events, like the FIFA 2026 World Cup this summer.”
He added: “Violence towards stewards, staff or supporters will never be tolerated.
“[Bashforth’s] banning order sends a clear message that those who choose to involve themselves in disorder at football matches will face significant consequences.”