Further football Banning Orders issued after pitch incursions at Wrexham AFC matches
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Two men have been banned from football matches for their involvement in matchday incidents.
David Jones, 37, of Gwersyllt and Ryan James Lloyd, 40, of Marchwiel, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Monday, August 15th, where they were both issued with a 3-year Football Banning Order (FBO).
It comes just days after two other men were issued with the same orders following pitch incursions at the Wrexham AFC football match against Dover FC on March 26th.
Jones was found guilty of pitch incursions at the Wrexham AFC football match against Eastleigh on April 9th this year, while Lloyd was found guilty of the same offence at the Stockport FA Trophy fixture on April 2nd.
A police investigation was launched after the Wrexham fans entered the field of play during the match.
The FBOs issued to the defendants will now prevent them from attending any football matches in the UK for the duration of the order.
They will also be prohibited from being within 2.5km of any regulated football match, including the Racecourse Ground on matchdays, as well as being banned from entering any town/city where Wrexham AFC or the Wales national team are playing an away match. Failure to comply with the order could result in a fine or a six month prison sentence.
Section 4 of the Football Offences Act makes clear that any incursion by a spectator onto the playing field is prohibited.
It states: ‘It is an offence for a person at a designated football match to go onto the playing area, or any area adjacent to the playing area to which spectators are not generally admitted, without lawful authority or lawful excuse.’
The orders are strongly prohibitive and ensure that those found guilty of football disorder are kept distanced from the game.
Dedicated Football Officer, Dave Evans added: “For the second time within a matter of days, individuals have been issued with Football Banning Orders.
“We very much welcome the increased support at The Racecourse, but the Club have been very clear that anyone who commits a criminal offence at matches will be prosecuted, and we will support them with this.
“Before a big game away to Chesterfield tonight, it is worth acknowledging that these individuals are a tiny minority of an otherwise fantastic and law-abiding fanbase for Wrexham AFC.
“Together with the club, we will continue to ensure that the matchday experience is both safe and enjoyable for supporters of all age groups both inside and outside the ground.”
Wrexham CEO Fleur Robinson said: "As we outlined in the Club statement last week, we understand the passion and emotion of watching football, but it does not excuse unacceptable behaviour – behaviour which has consequences for the Football Club due to financial penalties, higher costs and the threat of stadium closures.
"These Football Banning Orders reiterate the consequences to individuals found guilty of these criminal offences too, and we continue to urge all attending Wrexham fixtures to strongly consider the potential results of their actions.
"I’d like to thank North Wales Police for their support once again, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure the Racecourse Ground remains a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all."