Notes

  • The CPS is fully integrated into the cross-government strategy for the World Cup, both in England and Wales and in South Africa, and plays a key role in dealing with criminal offences at home and overseas.
  • Football Banning Orders will be applied for in relation to adults and youths when deemed necessary.
  • Breach of requirements of a FBO is a summary imprisonable offence contrary to Section 14J of the Football Spectators Act.
  • Anyone receiving a FBO this season will not be able to travel to support England in the World Cup finals in South Africa in June and July 2010.  Their FBO will also require them to surrender their passports and will prevent them travelling anywhere abroad during the tournament.  It will also prevent them travelling to qualifying matches and following their club abroad to European games.
  • All expenses of sending Nick Hawkins to South Africa are met by the host authority. The only cost that falls to the Home Office is transport there and back.

Home » CPS South West news » Football Banning Orders

Hooligans face Football Banning Order

09/06/2010

Those convicted of football-related violence and hooliganism face being issued with a Football Banning Order which could see them banned from matches for a minimum of three years, said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) today.

Each CPS Area has a lead football prosecutor who will work closely with the police, providing guidance and pre-charge advice.

Prosecutors will consider a range of offences focusing particularly on any evidence of racism or other hate crime, applying for Football Banning Orders (FBOs) for a minimum of 3 years. Those issued with FBOs have to surrender their passports preventing them from travelling to future international competitions and are banned completely from attending domestic football matches.

Last week around 3,000 people who have already received FBOs surrendered their passports which will be retained until the evening of 11 July 2010.

Research from the last World Cup in 2006 showed nearly a 30% increase in the reporting of domestic abuse incidents on match days - almost half of the suspects were identified as being drunk.

The vast majority of people watching the World Cup will do so in a well-behaved, jubilant manner. Those who cross the line will be dealt with swiftly.

We want people to watch the games in safety, wherever they choose to do so and no matter what team they choose to support.

Avon and Somerset specialist football prosecutor, Rowena Goodwin, said:  "The excellent relationship the CPS has built up with ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) and police forces to tackle violence and hooliganism at and around football matches has been praised by the Football Association and other international football authorities, such as Germany and Brazil."

CPS Avon and Somerset will work with local police to tackle hate crime, hooliganism and violence across the force area.

National football lead and Chief Crown Prosecutor for Hampshire, Nick Hawkins, will be in South Africa to support ACPO Assistant Chief Constable Andy Holt and his police team.  His primary role will be to liaise with South African prosecutors to ensure any evidence gathered against English nationals involved in violence and disorder during the tournament is made available for use in England to secure Football Banning Orders against these individuals. This follows on from the success of the deployment of prosecutors to Germany in 2006 and to the obtaining of FBOs based on evidence gathered overseas at a number of England games in Germany and elsewhere.