A football enthusiast who struck a 13-year-old boy during a match has been given a three-year ban. Sean Ryan, 21, assaulted the teenager after the Southport versus Radcliffe FA Cup game at Southport Stadium on Thursday, September 16. Ryan, a Southport supporter, attacked the boy without provocation near The Jack Carr Stand, as per law enforcement. He was apprehended by stadium personnel and later confessed to committing common assault.
On Thursday, January 15, Ryan, hailing from Old Swan, Liverpool, appeared in Sefton Magistrates’ Court. He received a three-year football ban, 120 hours of unpaid work, a £250 compensation order, and was also instructed to cover court expenses.
The victim, a Radcliffe fan, was described as “very distressed” and experienced discomfort due to the incident. Inspector Stuart McLoughlin stated that such violent acts have no place in football and commended Ryan for admitting to the assault promptly. Ryan is now prohibited from attending any football matches nationwide.
The Merseyrail Community Stadium, commonly known as Southport Stadium, is the home ground of Southport FC situated at Haig Avenue. The stadium, with a capacity of 7,000, has recently undergone upgrades including new seating, corporate facilities, and cladding, funded by club directors, grants, and sponsorships.
