Three football fans banned for violence before Mansfield Town match

David Smith, of Cherry Grove, Warsop; Wesley Gibbons, of Chestnut Avenue Macclesfield; and Stephen Ward, of Westbury Drive, Macclesfield, all pleaded guilty to affray in relation to a clash between supporters before the Stags’ game against Macclesfield Town on 2 February 2019.

Nottinghamshire Police received a report that supporters of both clubs were fighting at the rear of the Ian Greaves Stand. The disorder continued for several minutes until stewards and police restored order.

Smith, 40; Gibbons, 24; and Ward, 47, were identified after a post-match investigation by Nottinghamshire and Cheshire police.

The trio appeared at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (February 11) for sentencing.

Smith and Ward were handed three-year football banning orders. They were also given a 12-month community order each, including 40 hours’ unpaid work, and ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Gibbons received a five-year football banning order. He was also given a 12-month community order, including 60 hours’ unpaid work, ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Inspector Rob Taylor of Nottinghamshire Police said he hoped the punishments would ‘act as a warning’ to other would-be hooligans.

He added: “We want to 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.”