Football Banning Orders

Football Banning Orders (FBO) are civil orders usually imposed after someone is convicted for a football-related offence. The order is designed to prevent violence and disorder (termed “hooliganism”).

Sadly, it has become more common for fans to be subjected to football banning orders for minor offences. This is usually used to ‘set an example’ to other fans, both on the person subject to the order and also the football club they are fans of.

Most Football Banning Orders are made through an application to the Magistrates’ Court, either after a criminal conviction or through the Chief Constable.

We provide a proactive service in defending applications for FBO’s and in relation to any elated criminal charges.

The Solicitor who heads our Football Offence team, Damian Wall, has years of experience in handling all matters related to football. Ranked in Chambers & Partners and mentioned in the Legal 500, he is commented as:

“Very experienced in criminal work, he is always someone I recommend to others”.

“Thorough preparation, strong analysis of strengths and weaknesses in a case, sound and realistic advice in the client’s interest. His collaborative approach to preparing a case for trial is rare and extremely valuable.”

“There is not much that he has not seen or been involved in over the years which is why, together with the standard of his work, I would not hesitate to recommend him.”

Reeds Solicitors is an award-winning and leading top-tier criminal defence firm. For legal advice and representation, please contact us through our contact page here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373, or email us at info@reeds.co.uk.

How Can Reeds Solicitors Help with Football Banning Orders?

We can represent a client at any stage, from the initial investigation, representation at the police station, charge and court.

Civil Football Banning Order Application

As indicated an application for an FBO can be sought without an individual being charged with a criminal offence. Applications can be based on intelligence reports and unsubstantiated allegations which can include reports that detail whether you are associated with others who are considered ‘risks’ to football-related antisocial behaviour.

Challenging an FBO

We advise our clients on the merits of FBO applications, including the potential consequences of having an FBO imposed. We can provide advice, responses and represent you in court.

Accepting an FBO

If you have decided that it is in your best interests to accept an FBO, then our solicitors will negotiate the terms of the FBO – including any restrictions placed on you around freedom of movement.

Breaching a Football Banning Order

Breaching a Football Banning Order is a criminal offence, punishable by up to 6 months in prison. We represent individuals who have breached their Football Banning Order, and recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of your case, please contact us through our contact page here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373, or email us at info@reeds.co.uk.

Application for Early Termination

After you have completed two-thirds of the order, we can assist an application to the courts to have it removed. In this application, we will provide the court arguments to your character and conduct since the order was made, as well as the nature of the original offence and any circumstances which may have contributed to it.

Other Areas Reeds Can Assist In

As indicated FBO’s generally follow allegations of football-related offending including violent disorder, affray, assaults, possession of drugs, possession of flares or hate crimes. We have extensive experience in dealing with the offences that can lead to FBOs, whether or not they are football-related allegations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Football Banning Orders?

Simply put, Football Banning Orders ban an individual from attending football matches; both at home and abroad.

Football banning orders are court orders which are often made after a conviction for a football related offence. They are designed to impose restrictions to minimise unsociable behaviour, disorder and violence at football matches. This behaviour is sometimes termed “hooliganism”.

Who Issues Banning Orders in Football?

It is the court that issues banning orders in football, either after an application has been made or after a football-related conviction.

In some cases, an application can be made to the Magistrates’ Court by the Police even if they have not been convicted of a criminal offence. The court will issue a banning order if the police satisfies that the order will help prevent violence or disorder at football matches.

The Court must issue a Football Banning Order if an individual has been convicted of a specific offence (including being involved in violence at a match) unless the Court is satisfied that imposing a ban would be unjust. In cases where an order isn’t made, the Crown Prosecution Service can appeal the court’s decision and argue for a banning order to be put in place.

How long does a Football Banning Order last?

In most cases, a football banning order lasts for a minimum of 3 years, and up to a maximum of 5. In some circumstances, where a person is sentenced to a term of imprisonment for the convicted offence, the banning order can be increased. If this is the case, then the football banning order can last between 6 and 10 years.

Are Football Banning Orders Legal?

Yes, football banning orders are legal. A Banning Order will be put into place by the Magistrates Court if there are reasonable grounds to believe that imposing such a ban will prevent football-related disorder or violence.

Does a Football Banning Order Appear on your Record?

A Football Banning Order (FBO) may appear on any disclosure certificate. An FBO is classed as an offence and, as with other offences, this will have a length of time for it to be ‘spent’ (expired). Once the offence has been spent then the offence will no longer appear on a basic check.

What Terms or restrictions can be included in football banning orders?

Football Banning Orders can include a number of different restrictions that are placed on the individual. What these conditions are can vary depending on the circumstances of each case. Some Courts have a set of standard conditions for Football Banning Orders. An example of some of these conditions are:

• A ban from attending football matches at home or abroad.
• Movement restrictions, preventing you from being in a specific place or area. This is usually for periods two hours before a match starts to two hours after it finishes. We have seen situations where this restriction has unfairly included public transport or even entire towns.
• A demand to surrender your passport before international football matches.
• The need to report to a local police station.

How do I appeal a banning order?

In some cases, you may appeal a banning order placed by the Magistrates’ Court. This appeal is made to the Crown Court.

You are also able to appeal to have the conditions of the order changed. And when two-thirds of the football banning order duration has passed (such as two years of a three-year ban) then it is possible to apply to have the order ended early.

The rules and application to appeal a football banning order can be complex, and we are able to provide advice on your options if you wish to appeal. Our Solicitors will let you know what the likelihood of appealing will be, assist with the application and represent you in court if needed.