Three supporters have been banned from every football ground in the UK following a violent platform assault in Kent.
Sentence was passed at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court after a British Transport Police investigation into an incident following a Maidstone United play-off final. One perpetrator received a five-year football banning order, while two others were issued three-year bans. All three were also given community orders ranging from 12 to 18 months with rehabilitation requirements.
The assault occurred after a dispute broke out aboard a train towards Halling station. Revenue Enforcement Officers halted the service and escorted an injured passenger onto the platform. He was pursued out of the carriage by one group member and punched, before two others joined in with further punches and kicks.
British Transport Police were called to the scene and subsequently charged all three men with affray. The banning orders prevent them from attending any regulated football matches nationwide for the duration of their sentences.
PC Oliver Millar, from BTP’s football policing unit, said:
“As a result of their frankly stupid behaviour, these three football fans will now be unable to attend any football matches in the UK for up to five years.
“There is simply no excuse for violence – and these banning orders should serve as a reminder to anyone who believes they can get away with unacceptable behaviour on the railway – there will be consequences.”