Gareth Whitehouse, 41, will not be able to go to any football macthes for three years after the incident last season
Gareth Whitehouse, 41, has been banned from attending football matches(Image: Thames Valley Police)
A Cardiff City supporter has been banned from attending football matches for three years following disorder involving rival fans before a match in Reading.
Gareth Whitehouse, 41, from Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, appeared before Slough Magistrates’ Court on June 16 after being charged with a public order offence linked to trouble involving Reading FC and Cardiff City supporters.
The court heard that at around 1.45pm on April 18 this year, disorder broke out between groups of supporters in Greyfriars Street, Reading, ahead of a fixture involving the two clubs. Whitehouse was arrested and charged on the same day.
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Whitehouse pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
As well as being ordered to pay a total of £253 in fines and costs, he was handed a three-year Football Banning Order.
Football Banning Orders are designed to prevent future disorder and can include restrictions preventing supporters from attending matches. Individuals subject to the orders can also be required to surrender their passports during major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup.
PC Steve Mountain, Reading FC’s dedicated football officer, said: “Disorder such as this has no place in football or in our communities. The vast majority of supporters attend matches to enjoy the game safely, and it is the actions of a small minority that risk spoiling that experience for others.
“With major international tournaments such as the World Cup attracting global attention, Football Banning Orders play a crucial role in preventing known offenders from travelling overseas and becoming involved in disorder.
“This result demonstrates our commitment to working with clubs and partners to identify those involved in anti-social and criminal behaviour and ensure they are held accountable.”
The order means Whitehouse will be barred from attending regulated football matches for the next three years.