Sutton man who attacked a rival fan is given a six year football banning order

Christopher Lynch, aged 41, of Dalesforth Street, was handed the banning order at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 23rd January.

The court heard how Lynch had been walking through Nottingham railway station with a group of friends following the Nottingham Forest v Sheffield Wednesday match on Saturday, 10th January. He became involved in a verbal altercation with a Wednesday fan, who was on his own, on platform one. Lynch punched him in the head a number of times.

A BTP officer on duty at the station witnessed the assault, intervened and arrested Lynch.

Lynch pleaded guilty to common assault and was sentenced to a six-year football banning order, and ordered to pay £315 in compensation to the victim, and court costs.

Under the terms of the ban Lynch must not enter any premises in which football is being played in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

He may also be required to surrender his passport when matches involving British sides are being played outside the UK.

Sergeant Ian Wright said, “Attacking rival fans whether inside or outside the ground, or on public transport whilst travelling to and from a game, is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated by police.

“Those who think they can behave in such a way, and ruin law-abiding the days out of supporters and other members of the public in the process, should know that we will always seek banning orders. Such behaviour is not welcome on the railways or at football matches.”

“The majority of football supporters are well-behaved genuine fans who enjoy supporting their team in good spirits.

“It is only the behaviour of a small minority such as Lynch, who was intent on causing violence.”