Five men received three-year Football Banning Orders (FBO’s) last week, following incidents at two Wrexham FC home matches this year.
Sion Yaxley, 29, from Pwllglas, Ruthin, pleaded guilty at Wrexham Magistrates’ Court to chanting homophobic abuse towards a group of Chelsea fans prior to Wrexham’s fifth round FA Cup tie on 7thMarch.
He was fined £250 and must also pay a victim surcharge of £100 and costs of £85.
Joshua Alan Jones, 33, of Aspen Grange, Weston Rhyn, near Oswestry also pleaded guilty to a charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence.
Jones was fined £500, with a £200 surcharge and £85 costs.
Arun Eric Thomas, 37, of Blue Bell Lane, Pandy pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive behaviour and assault by beating in Wrexham prior to the Millwall fixture in early February .
Thomas was fined £333 for the abusive behaviour. He was also handed a 12 month community order, a requirement for 12 months of mental health treatment and 120 days of alcohol abstinence monitoring. He was also ordered to pay a £113 victim surcharge, and £85 costs.
Jake Lee Jones, 31, from Rhoswiel, Weston Rhyn, and 38 year old Jamie Gruffydd Jones of Russell Grove in Wrexham both admitted a charge of using threatening or abusive behaviour prior to the Millwall match. Both men were given a fine of £80 each, as well as £85 costs and £32 victim surcharge.
As part of the FBO’s, all five men are now prohibited from attending any football matches in the UK throughout the three year duration.
They are also prohibited from being within 2,500 metres of any regulated stadia on matchdays and banned from entering any town/city where Wrexham AFC or the Wales national team are playing.
Superintendent Simon Barrasford said: “Football Banning Orders impose strict and far-reaching restrictions on those convicted of football related offences. These orders are designed to act as a powerful deterrent to anyone who considers disrupting the safety and enjoyment of the game.
“Incidents of football related disorder and the subsequent arrests are a small fraction of what is an otherwise positive and enjoyable experience for the vast majority of Wrexham fans.
“However, we have been clear previously that incidents of matchday disorder will not be tolerated. As demonstrated by these court proceedings, we will continue to take robust action against anyone found to have been involved in such behaviour.
“We continue to work closely with the United Kingdom Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) and support their efforts to tackle violence, anti-social behaviour and disorder linked to football.”
