ℹ️ Statement - Football Banning Order Tuesday, April 4th 2023 A man has been banned from attending football matches for three years after magistrates were told he tried to headbutt a Police Officer following Bristol City's Emirates FA Cup tie against Manchester City. Patrick Elkins, of Silverhill Road in Henbury, appeared in court in Bristol on Thursday, March 30th and pleaded guilty to a public order offence of threatening or abusive behaviour and one count of common assaulting against an emergency worker. The 33-year-old was abusive towards Manchester City fans after Bristol City's Emirates FA Cup defeat to the Premier League side on Tuesday, February 28th outside Ashton Gate. Elkins, when approached by officers, then made threats towards them before attempting to headbutt a Police Officer. He received a three-year banning order for his offences, which prevents him from attending any match in the UK for the duration of the order or going to certain areas near football stadiums on match days. Elkins was ordered to carry out 200 hours' unpaid work and must also pay £200 compensation, £114 victim surcharge and £85 costs. Dedicated football officer PC Thomas Williams said: "We welcome the court's decision to issue a football banning order following this incident. We are committed to working with all our football clubs and sports teams to ensure supporters can enjoy games without fearing for their safety. "It is important to recognise however this FA Cup tie was played out in front of a full house with more than 25,000 fans in attendance. The irresponsible actions of one man should not overshadow the good behaviour of the overwhelming majority of supporters who contributed to a terrific atmosphere both inside and outside the ground.” Bristol City Football Club condemns violence in any form as we strive to make matchdays a safe and enjoyable experience for all at Ashton Gate. The Club have fully supported Avon & Somerset Police throughout the process and their decision to issue a football banning order. https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/ℹ-statement-football-banning-order/
I’ve seen some dreadful behaviour from our own fans. All clubs have them. Good he’s not going to any more games.
On the first real day of press coverage of trouble at football matches I was arrested at Selhurst Park for running on to the pitch and locked up in a room just down the tunnel. Meanwhile my recently pregnant wife Ann was left alone on the terraces awaiting my return from captivity whilst being comforted by one of the policemen who arrested me. Finally I was set free and later got a letter from Crystal Palace banning me for life due to my actions and the referee (Harry New from Portsmouth) declined any action against me and strangely we met later in life and had a good laugh about the incident. The Sunday papers were full of several incidents that had occurred the previous day and lunch with the in-laws was a bit strained as I watched Wally read the papers hoping he wouldn't see a photo of me being taken away. All of this was totally out of character and the good news is I'm still with the gorgeous Ann and behaving myself so there may be some hope for these current idiots, but then again maybe not!
