Football Banning Orders

Allegations of football-related disorder can have serious and long-lasting consequences. One of the most significant penalties available to the courts is a football banning order. If you are facing a football banning order application, have already been made subject to a football ban, or are accused of a breach of football banning order conditions, it is essential to obtain specialist legal advice without delay.

At JD Spicer Zeb, our experienced criminal defence solicitors represent clients across England and Wales in cases involving football banning orders. Whether you are seeking to challenge a proposed banning order, pursue a football banning order appeal, or apply for early termination, our objective is to secure the best possible outcome and protect your rights.

Our criminal defence team provides:

• 24/7 advice and representation at police stations
• Nationwide representation across England and Wales
• Experienced Police Station Representatives
• Clear legal guidance in any language (see our languages spoken)

Speak to our football banning orders solicitors

For a free initial consultation to understand your legal position and your options regarding a football banning order, contact our solicitors in London, Birmingham or Manchester.

For urgent advice around the clock regarding FBOs, call our emergency, 24/7 line on 07836 577 556.

What is a football banning order?

A football banning order (FBO) is a civil order made under the Football Spectators Act 1989. It is designed to prevent violence and disorder at regulated football matches by prohibiting individuals from attending certain matches in England and Wales, and in some cases abroad.

Although a banning order is civil in nature, breaching it is a criminal offence. The impact of a football ban can therefore be significant, affecting not only your ability to attend matches but also your freedom of movement and employment in some circumstances.

How long does a football banning order last?

The duration of a football banning order depends on the circumstances in which it is imposed. The minimum period of a banning order is 3 years.

Under the Football Spectators Act 1989:

• Where no custodial sentence is imposed, a banning order must last a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years.
• Where a custodial sentence is imposed, the order must last at least 6 years and up to 10 years.

The court will determine the precise length based on factors such as the seriousness of the offence, previous convictions, and the perceived risk of future disorder.

What conditions can be imposed?

Football banning order conditions can vary depending on the individual case, but commonly include:

• A prohibition on attending regulated football matches in the UK
• Restrictions from entering specific areas (such as town centres or zones around stadiums) during match times
• A requirement to surrender your passport before designated international tournaments
• A requirement to report to a local police station at specified times

These conditions can significantly restrict your daily life. For example, geographical restrictions may prevent you from entering certain areas even if you have legitimate reasons for doing so, such as work or visiting family.

A carefully prepared football banning order defence can seek to limit or refine the scope of restrictions imposed.

How can you receive a football banning order?

1. Following Conviction for a Relevant Offence

If you are convicted of certain football related offences or other specified offences involving violence or disorder, the court must consider whether to impose a banning order. In all cases, the court is obliged to do so unless it considers that making the order would be unjust.

2. On Complaint by the Police (Without Conviction)

A football banning order can also be made on application by the police, even where no criminal conviction has occurred.

In such cases, the police must satisfy the court that:

• You have at any time caused or contributed to violence or disorder in the UK or elsewhere; and
• Making the banning order would help prevent future violence or disorder at regulated matches.

What offences can lead to a football banning order?

A range of offences may result in the imposition of a banning order, including:

• Violent disorder or affray
• Public order offences, including assaulting a police officer
• Common assault, grievous or actual bodily harm
• Criminal damage
• Possession of Drugs
• Throwing missiles at matches
• Racist or indecent chanting
• Possession of alcohol in restricted areas of a stadium/attempting to enter a stadium whilst under the influence of alcohol
• Unauthorised sale of tickets
• Pitch encroachment

Any offence which takes place whilst travelling to or from a designated football match in England and Wales may amount to a football banning order being imposed.

Early advice from football banning order solicitors can make a significant difference to the outcome.

Can you challenge a football banning order?

Yes. You have the right to challenge a football banning order in several ways.

If the police apply for an order without conviction, you are entitled to oppose the application in the Magistrates’ Court. This may involve challenging the reliability of evidence, disputing identification, or arguing that the legal test has not been met.

If a banning order is imposed following conviction, you may have grounds to pursue a football banning order appeal to the Crown Court. Strict time limits apply, and urgent action is required.

In both scenarios, it may be possible to argue that:

• The statutory criteria have not been satisfied
• The order is unnecessary
• The proposed football banning order conditions are disproportionate

Can a football banning order be removed early?

In certain circumstances, a football banning order can be terminated after two-thirds of the order have been completed (for example 2 years into a 3-year banning order). The success of an early termination application will depend on factors such as:

• Your conduct during the period of the order
• Compliance with all football banning order conditions
• Evidence of rehabilitation and good character

Careful preparation of supporting evidence and persuasive legal submissions are critical to maximising the prospects of success.

What happens if you breach a football banning order?

A breach of football banning order conditions is a criminal offence.

If you commit the following actions, you may be arrested and imprisoned:

• Attend a prohibited match
• Enter a restricted area in breach of your order
• Fail to surrender your passport when required
• Fail to report to a police station as directed.

The maximum penalty for breach is up to 6 months’ imprisonment and/or a fine. A conviction for breach may also result in a further banning order being imposed or the extension of an existing one.

If you are accused of breaching a banning order, immediate legal advice is essential.

Contact our football banning order solicitors now

If you are facing a football banning order application, have received a football ban, or are accused of a breach, do not delay in seeking specialist advice.

Talk to our dedicated criminal defence solicitors in London, Birmingham, or Manchester for immediate advice, using:

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24/7 legal representation for football banning orders

For a free initial consultation to understand your legal position and your options regarding a football banning order, contact our solicitors in London, Birmingham or Manchester.

For urgent advice around the clock regarding FBOs, call our emergency, 24/7 line on 07836 577 556.