Preston man banned from attending football matches for five years after disorder

Ryan Crewe was convicted after being identified in CCTV footage

A Preston man has been banned from watching any football game in England and Wales after violence following a Preston North End game.

Ryan Crewe was convicted of breaching the Public Order Act.

25-year-old Crewe, of Heatherfield Place, Ashton-on-Ribble, was involved in an altercation.

Following the game between PNE and Wigan Athletic at Deepdale a fight broke out in Preston city centre between rival groups of supporters on October 5 last year. It resulted in chairs from a restaurant in the city being thrown.

Crewe was identified by police from CCTV footage.

He appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court on Friday 2 August and was convicted.

Magistrates handed him a five year football banning order, a community order of 100 hours, a 12-week suspended sentenced and Crewe was fined £560 plus a £115 victim surcharge.

The banning order prevents Crewe from going to any regulated football game in England and Wales. He is also banned from travelling to international matches over the next five years.

PC Dan Fish, Lancashire Police’s Football Risk Management Officer, said: “The majority of people who attend football matches are law-abiding fans who want to watch a good match and enjoy the experience. However there is a minority intent on causing trouble and we will do everything in our power to stop them.

“We hope this banning order send a clear message that we will not tolerate violence, anti-social behaviour or disorder in Lancashire. Anyone who comes here and causes this type of disruption will be dealt with firmly and proportionately.”

Anyone with information or concerns about anti-social behaviour at a football match should speak to police officers or stewards at the ground, or ring 101.