Football fan faces ban

WEST Ham United today vowed to ban a supporter convicted of beating an Ipswich fan while he shielded a child at the town's railway station.

Hammers' season ticket holder Barry Green, of Southern Drive, Loughton is awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of intending to cause fear of, or to produce violence, following the attack.

Peter Stewart, West Ham's head of media, said: “The response of the club to any police action is that if the supporter is found guilty of any football-related crime, or racist chanting they will receive a ban.”

Although Mr Stewart said he was unaware of Green's conviction he promised a ban would be imposed preventing the 37-year-old London black cab driver from attending games at Upton Park.

Although Mr Stewart was unable to say how long Green would be banned for, he said: “It would be a lengthy ban.”

Earlier this month South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard Green attacked the Ipswich fan while they were on the railway station platform after West Ham won the Championship play-off game at Portman Road 2-0 on May 18.

Prosecutor Helen Booth said police were alerted to a fight on platform two involving Green, who was seen repeatedly hitting the Ipswich supporter on the head.

Prosecution witness British Transport Police sergeant Paul Thompson told the court at the time of the attack the Ipswich supporter had his left arm cupped around a child while he cowered down to protect himself.

It was not until Sgt Thompson hit Green with his baton that he stopped his attack.

Giving evidence in his defence, Green denied the charge and claimed he acted in self-defence. He said he had thrown only one punch after the man attacked him.

After the guilty verdict, magistrates heard Green had two previous convictions for non football-related affray committed in 1988 and 1991.

He was released on unconditional bail until his sentencing on December 13.

N Were you the person attacked by Green? If so telephone The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788.