Football banning order for Manchester City Fan

A Tameside man has been handed a three year football banning order today at Manchester Magistrates' Court.

Daniel Potts was part of large-scale pitch invasion at the Etihad football stadium in May this year. Potts pleaded guilty before magistrates this morning and was sentenced to a £658 fine in addition to the three-year football banning order.

On 22 May 2022 Manchester City played Aston Villa in the last fixture of the Premier League season. Following the match, a large group of supporters made their way onto the pitch, climbing over the barriers and pushing past the stewards who had formed a line in front of the stands.

The 26-year-old lifelong Manchester City fan was caught on CCTV. He stepped across the first safety barrier, pushed through the line of stewards and then climbed over an advertising board to reach the playing area. Potts then ran forward with others, towards Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, who appeared to stumble forward as the group passed him.

Potts was arrested by officers and admitted going onto the pitch, claiming he followed others. In interview, he apologised for his actions.

Adrian Hollamby for CPS North west said: “The CPS are committed to taking a robust stance towards tackling football-related disorder as we continue to play a crucial role in making sports such as football safe for the players and for the vast majority of supporters who want to attend and enjoy sport in a safe environment.

The CPS is also currently working with the football clubs, player bodies and organisations, like the Premier League, the English Football League and the Football Association to explain what evidence is required to charge to help clubs and the leagues protect their players by ensuring we have all the evidence we need to build the strongest case possible.

Douglas Mackay, CPS Sports Lead Prosecutor and Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for West Midlands said: "Over recent years and months there has been a significant rise in football-related criminality compared to pre-pandemic levels. At the CPS, we play a crucial role in tackling these crimes and making our national sport inclusive, safe to watch and play in. There is no place for violent criminal acts in football, and incidents such as these has a significant impact on victims."