Violent Blues fan banned from games

A FOOTBALL hooligan has been spared jail but banned from attending matches for three years after lashing out at a rival fan.

Ipswich Town fan Trevor Green, of Blickling Close, Ipswich, was at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to affray.

The court heard how Green, a BT employee and father of two, punched a rival supporter after a match against Watford in February.

Violence broke out at the corner of Portman Road and Sir Alf Ramsey Way after the Blues' 2-1 defeat, when Green attacked Watford fan Geoffrey Bonsor.

The 28-year-old was one of five supporters arrested that day as fans were involved in trouble around the stadium.

Neil Saunders, mitigating, said Green had been drinking and had struck out because he thought he heard Mr Bonsor make a comment about his mother.

But Mr Saunders called Green a productive member of society whose actions were out of character.

Mr Saunders said: “His behaviour was fuelled by alcohol and often, when people drink, their thinking is impaired.

“He has brought shame on himself and his family and I think that is highlighted by his demeanour today.

“In view of his 14 years of passionate football support, a banning order might be the most appropriate punishment.”

Green avoided being given a jail sentence but was told he must not attend a football match in England or Wales for the next three years.

He must also complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay Mr Bonsor £250 compensation.

Magistrates said that despite Green's obvious remorse and his co-operation with police, the attack was unprovoked and for that reason a three year order was the shortest they could impose.

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