A 25 year old man was handed a Football Banning Order at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, on 2nd October.
Rhys Calderwood, from the East Belfast area, was convicted of Common Assault and Throwing an Article capable of causing injury after throwing a pint glass onto the pitch towards players at the County Antrim Shied Final between Glentoran and Larne on Tuesday 23rd January.
He received a fine and a football banning order until 2nd October 2026.
Detective Sergeant Kitchen 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 regulated matches in Northern Ireland for two 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.”