An 18-year-old man has been sentenced to 120 hours' community service for common assault and disorderly behaviour and was handed a Football Banning Order at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 2nd March.
James Harvey Shaw, with an address in Coleraine, has been banned following an incident of violent disorder following a NIFL Premiership game between Larne Football Club and Coleraine Football Club on Saturday, 1st October 2022.
Neighbourhood Inspector O’Brien 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 public sporting event 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.”