A Leicester man has been jailed and issued with a football banning order after throwing a bottle which hit a child at Goodison Park in February.
Martin Ford, 35 years, from Narborough in Leicestershire was jailed for 12 weeks at South Sefton Magistrates on Friday 28 March after pleading guilty to assault and throwing a missile at the spectators area (Everton supporters).
Picture credit: Merseyside Police
In addition, Ford was given a six-year football banning order and ordered to pay £400 compensation.
The court heard that on Saturday 1 February at the Everton v Leicester City game at Goodison Park, a Leicester City fan throw a half-full plastic bottle of cider across the divide into Everton supporters which struck a six-year-old girl in the face and soaked her with cider.
No visible injuries were sustained by the youngster, however she was left very frightened by the incident.
Match Commander Chief Inspector Derek Riley said: “Lucky the youngster didn’t sustain any injuries from Ford’s mindless act, who should have known better. Throwing missiles in any type of situation is wholly unacceptable and is a criminal act which will not be tolerated.
“Sadly, in this instance a young child was on the receiving end as result of his conduct, and he is now paying the price behind bars. He also has a six-year banning order which prevents him from attending any football match in the country.
”This type of reckless conduct has no place in football and supporters should be able to enjoy the match without having to deal with such behaviour.
“I hope this latest sentencing sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted.”
Dave Lewis, Everton’s Head of Security and Stadium Safety Officer, said “This prosecution sends an important and clear message: There is no place for reckless or violent behaviour at Everton matches or in our game.
“Throwing objects endangers players, fans, officials and in this case, it has caused harm to a young supporter who simply came to enjoy the game.
“Together with Merseyside Police we stand firmly behind efforts to ensure football remains a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all, and we hope this serves as a warning that such reckless and dangerous actions will be met with serious consequences.”
