A football enthusiast who assaulted a 13-year-old boy during a match has been handed a three-year ban. Sean Ryan, 21, attacked the teenager after the Southport versus Radcliffe FA Cup game at Southport Stadium on Thursday, September 16. The incident, termed as an unprovoked assault by the police, occurred as Ryan, a Southport supporter, walked past The Jack Carr Stand. He was swiftly apprehended by stadium personnel and later confessed to committing common assault.
On Thursday, January 15, at Sefton Magistrates’ Court, Ryan, residing in Old Swan, Liverpool, received a three-year football ban, 120 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay £250 in compensation along with court expenses. The victim, a Radcliffe fan, was left distressed and experienced physical discomfort due to the assault.
Inspector Stuart McLoughlin remarked that the victim was significantly disturbed by the attack, emphasizing that violent behavior has no place in football. He highlighted Ryan’s prompt admission of guilt and mentioned that Ryan is now prohibited from attending any football matches nationwide.
McLoughlin stressed the importance of ensuring a safe environment for all football attendees, promising to identify and prosecute individuals engaged in unacceptable and violent conduct at matches. The hope is that this punishment serves as a warning to deter others from committing similar offenses.
Southport Stadium, also known as the Merseyrail Community Stadium, serves as the home ground for Southport FC at Haig Avenue. With a capacity of 7,000, the stadium has recently undergone upgrades, including new seating, corporate facilities, and cladding, financed by club directors, grants, and sponsorships.