Three people have been banned from attending football matches following the Watford vs Luton game earlier this year.
On Sunday, February 23, over 200 officers and staff from a range of units were deployed as part of the constabulary’s policing response to the local derby, with more than 20,000 fans descending on Vicarage Road.
Freddie Philpott, 18, of Fuller Road, Watford, was handed a three-year Football Banning Order (FBO) and a £231 fine after being charged with a public order offence for scaling fencing and trying to create disorder.
Umer Farooq, 38, of no fixed abode, Watford, was also handed a three-year FBO after throwing a missile towards the Luton fans outside the stadium before the match. Farooq was ordered to pay a £125 fine, £85 in costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
Zac Bystra-Harvey, 28, of Great Lane, Bierton, Aylesbury, received a three-year FBO and was ordered to pay a £230 fine, £85 in costs and a £92 victim surcharge after throwing a bottle into a crowd of away supporters.
All three pleaded guilty to the offences and were sentenced at St Albans Magistrates’ Court in recent weeks. The FBOs mean they cannot attend any football match in the UK for three years.
A 17-year-old boy from Watford was also arrested for throwing a bottle which struck a supporter. He was handed a £111 fine and a referral order after pleading guilty.
Chief Inspector and Match Commander Ian Grout said: “Everyone managed to arrive at the stadium, enjoy the game and return home safely, and that was our main priority.
“Several incidents were investigated, and I am pleased that those who arrived with the intent to cause disorder have been banned from attending matches.
“I hope this sends out a strong message to those who intend on coming to Watford to cause issues on match days, and shows we will not tolerate anti-social or criminal behaviour of this nature.
“Despite these select few individuals who caused disruption, there were no reported injuries and the vast majority of the fans behaved and enjoyed the game.”
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