A 16-year-old boy has been cautioned by police and banned from attending games after admitting assaulting a Scunthorpe United player as Bristol Rovers clinched promotion to League One.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been banned from attending games for a fixed period. The incident occurred at the Memorial Stadium on May 7 when some supporters entered the pitch after Elliot Anderson made it 7-0 in the 85th minute, putting the Gas within touching distance of automatic promotion. The teenager admitted pushing a Scunthorpe player.
Two other men have also been punished for offences that occurred at the Mem on April 23 when the Gas played Forest Green Rovers. After that game, Forest Green fans entered the pitch celebrating their promotion and some home fans followed, with police and stewards required to clear the area.
Richard Hathaway, 19 and of Southmead, was convicted of using words or behaving in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and entering the playing area. He was handed a five-year football banning order by magistrates.
Lee Wells, 38 and of Oldland Common, was handed a three-year football banning order and ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service. He entered the pitch, was found to be in possession of a firework, flare or pyrotechnic item and was convicted of using words or behaving in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary's football unit worked alongside Bristol Rovers, the Football Association and the EFL in its investigation.
Inspector Mark Nicholson said: "There have been several incidents in recent weeks up and down the country of football fans running onto pitches and being violent towards players. Rightly, that has been condemned across the football community.
“We appreciate football is a passionate game and Bristol Rovers fans wanted to celebrate a 7-0 victory that would clinch promotion.
“On another day though, a minority of fans – albeit a significant minority – could have cost the team promotion by running onto the pitch because the referee gave serious consideration to abandoning the match.
“It’s important fans of all football clubs understand their actions have consequences; violence and endangering public safety is not acceptable. Several fans supporting clubs across the South West will miss out on attending games next season and for years to come because of their irresponsible actions.”
Bob Eastwood, the EFL's security and operations advisor, added: "Violence and disorder have no place in our game and the EFL is pleased to see these individuals brought to justice through definitive action.
“It is vital to demonstrate that there are consequences for criminal behaviour at football so we are grateful to Avon & Somerset Police for prioritising their investigations which we have been happy to assist."
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