A MAN who brought a knife to a Reading FC match has been banned from attending games for three years.
Lewis Campbell-Williams, aged 21 and of High Street in Brasted, Kent, appeared at Slough Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 17, where a Football Banning Order was granted.
It follows his conviction after he pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and an unrelated charge of theft from a shop last month.
He was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £272 in costs.
The conviction relates to an incident at a Reading match against Cardiff City at the Select Car Leasing Stadium back in April.
At around 3.45pm on April 18, Campbell-Williams was seen displaying a shiny object and acting in a threatening manner towards away supporters.
Officers intervened and carried out a search, locating a bladed article in his bag–he was arrested and charged the same day.
PC Steve Mountain, Dedicated Football Officer for Reading FC, said: “There is absolutely no place for weapons at football matches.
“The vast majority of supporters attend fixtures to enjoy the game safely and responsibly. Bringing a knife into a football stadium is completely unacceptable and has the potential to place people at serious risk of harm.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners to identify and target those who engage in criminal or disorderly behaviour connected to football.
“The Football Banning Order imposed on Campbell-Williams means he is prohibited from attending regulated football matches in the UK for the next three years.
“He will also be required to surrender his passport during designated overseas tournament periods, preventing him from travelling abroad to attend international fixtures involving England.
“Football Banning Orders play a vital role in protecting genuine fans and ensuring matches remain safe environments for everyone attending.”
