Southport FC Supporter Found Guilty of Assault on Teenager at Football Match

A man has been issued with a three-year football banning order plus fines after assaulting a teenage boy at a match in Southport last year.

Sean Ryan, 21 years, from Old Swan, pleaded guilty to the charge of common assault in relation to an incident at the Southport FC v Radcliffe FC game at Southport Stadium last year.

Yesterday, Thursday 15 January, Ryan appeared at Sefton Magistrates Court where he was issued with a three-year banning order, carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, and pay £250 compensation plus court costs.

The court heard that on 16 September, Southport FC won the second qualifying round match of the FA Cup. As Ryan, a Southport supporter, walked past The Jack Carr stand he punched a 13-year-old boy in the face. Radcliffe was detained by staff at the stadium.

The young victim, who is a Radcliffe supporter, experienced soreness from the assault and was left very distressed by the unprovoked attack.

Inspector Stuart McLoughlin said: “The young victim was left very distressed after the incident and this type of violent behaviour has no place in football.

“Thankfully Ryan quickly admitted the assault after it had happened, and now Ryan is banned from attending any football game in the country.

“Everyone should feel safe without any fear when they are attending a football game.

“We will work to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing any form of unacceptable and violent behaviour at football matches. I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted.”

To report a crime contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website:https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here:https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymouslyIn an emergency always call 999.