Alex fan banned after train disorder (From Crewe Guardian)

Alex fan banned after train disorder

12:22pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News

A CREWE Alexandra fan, who kicked and punched a train following a pre-season friendly, has been banned from attending all football for three years.

Dean Law, of Derby Street, Crewe, appeared before South Cheshire Magistrates having pleaded guilty to using threatening abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

The court heard Law, 21, had been to the Crewe Alexandra v Bolton Wanderers pre-season friendly at Gresty Road on 28 July and had also been drinking in a number of pubs in the town.

Following the match Law and a group of several other men arrived at Crewe rail station and approached a train at platform one.

The train was full of Bolton fans, who had also been to the match, and Law began to punch and kick the train – swearing at the passengers on-board.

He was eventually dissuaded by rail staff from targeting the train, but returned minutes later and continued his violent and foul-mouthed tirade.

The incident was reported to British Transport Police who arrived as the group began to run from the station.

Officers chased the men and Law was arrested on Mill Street.

At court he was made the subject of a three-year football banning order, prohibiting him from attending any organised football match in the UK, as well as limiting his rail travel, pub-going, and access to certain parts of Crewe when Alexandra are playing.

Chief Inspector Eddie Wylie said: “The stringent conditions of the football banning order show just how seriously the courts, and the wider criminal justice system, view this type of behaviour.

“Law’s conduct at Crewe rail station left a number of Bolton supporters, who had travelled to the town to enjoy a game of football, intimidated and genuinely concerned for their safety.

“We do not apply for banning order lightly and do not want to alienate football fans, as the vast majority are well-behaved and a credit to their clubs.

“Sadly, as in this case, some people are prepared to step out of line and seem intent on causing problems for others.

"When this happens BTP will not hesitate to step in and take action against those who cause problems for others.”