Three men appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court today (May 21) in connection with disorder at a Bristol City versus Swansea league match in February.
Police focused on ‘anti-social behaviour and violence’ before, during and after the match.
Video footage of trouble between both sets of fans in the area between the Atyeo Stand, where the Swansea City fans were, and the Dolman Stand, where the Bristol City fans were sitting, was widely shared on social media and reported by Bristol Live in the aftermath of the game.
Both sets of fans attempted to confront each other in the space between the corner of each stand, with some Bristol City fans ending up on the pitch.
Today, at Bristol Magistrates' Court, District Judge Lynne Matthews, handed out a penalty to one of those involved.
Jeffrey Warren, 55, of Litchard, Bridgend, pleaded guilty to going into an area adjacent to the playing area.
He was remorseful and admitted entering the playing area.
Kate Burnham-Davies, prosecuting, applied for a Football Banning Order and costs.
Warren, a builder, said: “I’m deeply ashamed. Why I did it I really don’t know. I wasn’t drunk.
“40 years I’ve been going to football and I’ve never been in trouble before.
“I’m 55 and I’m utterly ashamed.”
The judge said for the”shameful” offence, she was fining Warren £450, with £85 costs and a £45 victim surcharge.
He was handed a three-year Football Banning Order, restricting him from all football matches in the UK.
Alexander Wilkinson, 36, of Solva Road, Clase, Swansea, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour at Ashton Gate.
Peter Richardson, defending, asked for a pre-sentence report before sentence.
The judge bailed Wilkinson until June 13, on condition he co-operates with a probation report and does not attend regulated football matches.
Leigh Phillips, 52, of Penderry Road, Swansea, was charged with using threatening behaviour inside Ashton Gate and in Greville Smyth Park.
He pleaded guilty to both offences, on the basis he was being attacked with coins inside the ground.
The judge adjourned the case for sentence until June 13, on condition he does not attend a regulated football match and co-operates with a probation report.
