Football fan who admitted disorder gets match ban

A Cardiff City fan who admitted a public order offence following disorder with Reading supporters has been given a three-year Football Banning Order (FBO).

Gareth Whitehouse, of Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, admitted using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress at about 13:45 BST in Greyfriars Street in Reading on 18 April.

Cardiff sealed their promotion back to the Championship later that afternoon at the SCL Stadium, beating the Royals 3-1.

Whitehouse, 41, who pleaded guilty to the public order offence at Slough Magistrates' Court, was also told to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £48 victim surcharge.

Steve Mountain, Reading FC's dedicated football officer, said: "Disorder such as this has no place in football or in our communities.

"The vast majority of supporters attend matches to enjoy the game safely and it is the actions of a small minority that risk spoiling that experience for others."

Mountain added: "With major international tournaments such as the World Cup attracting global attention, FBOs play a crucial role in preventing known offenders from travelling overseas and becoming involved in disorder.

"This result demonstrates our commitment to working with clubs and partners to identify those involved in anti-social and criminal behaviour and ensure they are held accountable."