Football Fan Handed Five-Year Banning

 

A man has been given a five-year football banning order at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court after being photographed appearing to throw a missile during the fighting in Marseille. Joe Pizarro of Clayton Street, Kennington, was identified by Met Football Intelligence Officers from footage taken by French police during disorder on June 10.

Detective Superintendent Andy Barnes from the Met's Public Order Branch said: “The vast majority of travelling British fans are well behaved and in France to enjoy the tournament. Sadly a small minority have engaged in disorder. This will not be tolerated. By acting quickly we have prevented this man from travelling back to France to cause more trouble. What's more, he will not be able to cause trouble at games in the UK either.”

Three nights of violence in the south of France blighted the start of Euro 2016 as England fans clashed with Russian hooligans and local splinter groups. The trouble escalated further during England's opening Group B match against Russia inside the Stade Velodrome.  Russian fans charged towards England supporters following the 1-1 draw which forced many to flee the stadium. Both countries were threatened by UEFA that they would face expulsion from the tournament after the disgraceful scenes in the Mediterranean port.

European football's governing body launched disciplinary proceeding against Russia for crowd disturbances, racist behaviour and setting off fireworks. 

FA chief executive officer Martin Glenn said at the time that he took UEFA's warning with “the utmost seriousness. We understand the potential implications of our supporters' actions and wholly accept that every effort needs to be made by The FA to positively urge them to act in a responsible and respectful way. Violent scenes like those witnessed over the weekend in Marseille have no place in football, nor society as a whole. We want people - fans and locals - to feel safe and enjoy a festival atmosphere at the Euros and we will continue to work closely with all the relevant authorities to achieve that.”

On June 13 it was confirmed that five England fans were jailed and banned from France for their part in that weekend's disorder. Alexander Booth, 20, and Ian Hepworth, 41, were the first fans to be dealt with after the widespread trouble. They were followed by Ashley Kelly, 26, Paul Jackson, 21, and Lee Phillips, 23.