Six men sentenced for football-related disorder

Five men suspected of involvement in football-related disorder in Wales have been arrested in Mansfield today - 48 hours after six men were given Football Banning Orders following disorder after Mansfield's home match against Crawley Town on October 30.

The five, aged between 18 and 51, are believed to have been among those who were involved in violent exchanges prior to Mansfield Town's Blue Square Conference League game away to Newport County on September 18 2010.

The incident, which took place in Newport town centre, was captured on CCTV and examination of the footage has helped officers from Gwent Police and Nottinghamshire Police to identify those they believe were involved.

Inspector Russell Dew, based at Mansfield Police Station, oversaw the planned arrests operation.

"These arrests form part of a joint investigation between ourselves and Gwent Police to identify those who took part in violent disturbances in a busy town centre, in full view of innocent members of the public and some distance from the football ground" said Inspector Dew.

"Sadly, football-related violence still exists even at the non-league level of the game. Even though only a tiny minority indulges in this behaviour, we are not prepared to turn a blind eye to it.

"This incident took place over 200 miles away from Mansfield, but thanks to the quality of the CCTV footage we have been able to offer Gwent Police every assistance in locating those we suspect took part in the trouble. Gwent Police have sent detectives to Mansfield to question those individuals arrested today.

"These are not the only arrests we plan to make in connection with this incident. There will certainly be others. Gwent Police are also currently investigating to identify offenders from their area."

Inspector Dew added: "We will not tolerate violence of any kind, and violence on this scale is terrifying for anyone who witnesses it, while those caught up in it risk either causing or receiving serious injuries.

"Mansfield Town fans have had to endure plenty of hard times in recent years, so the very least they should be able to do is attend their team's matches without the fear of violence breaking out in either the build up to a game or following it."

The arrests come just 48 hours after six men were sentenced by magistrates for their part in trouble following Mansfield's home match against Crawley Town on October 30.

All six pleaded guilty to charges of public disorder. Five received suspended prison sentences of between six and ten weeks and orders banning them from any football ground in the UK for six years. Another was fined £200 and given a three-year banning order.

"We are determined that those who cause trouble should not be allowed to attend or travel to football matches, so we will apply for banning orders in all such cases," said Inspector Dew.

"Intelligence sharing between police football liaison officers is very well-established and comprehensive, so we can quite quickly gather the evidence we need to not only bring suspects before the courts to face criminal charges but also to bring the case for a banning order."

For more policing news visit http://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk

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• Mansfield Town FC
• Crawley Town FC
• football banning order

[swifty4wba]

what a fucking joke football banning orders now'days 6 years and not one punch thrown :L

[ronyeats]

wtf. are these mugs stupid rhetorical question! why attack a mini bus of scarf wearing fans if u are supposed to be a thug. these are mugs and probably cried evry night in prison. cringe worthy and pathetic

[staglad373]

Read the sentence they got at 1;15 plus 200hrs community service, plus cant come into Town on a match day 4hr before and after a Mansfield match at home. And every one of them it was there 1st offence inclueding the 58 year old boy.

[spireitetillidie]

never did owt, never will, HASLAM FOR MAYOR

[croydel]

having a pop at crawley fans'''u having a laugh...lol