Two football fans who wore hi-vis jackets and posed as stewards in a “ridiculous” ttemmpt to watch a south coast derby between Southampton and Portsmouth have been banned from attending matches for three years.
The brothers Kane and Dale Green also carried radio equipment as part of their disguise to get into the match at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton in September. The Portsmouth fans both pleaded guilty at Southampton magistrates court to fraud by false representation and going on to the playing area of a football match and were both fined about £700 each as well as made subject to football banning orders, according to Hampshire police.
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A force spokesperson said: “Brothers Kane and Dale Green headed to St Mary’s Stadium in September without tickets, carrying hi-vis vests and radio equipment. At the ground they put on the items to look like stewards and managed to get into a restricted area, just metres from the pitch, less than an hour before kick-off of this highly anticipated game.”
Assistant chief constable Tony Rowlinson, gold commander for the policing operation around the game, said: “This was a ridiculous plot to try and see the game, despite knowing tickets were sold out and those without tickets would not be getting in. They clearly came with the intention to get into the stadium illegally, bringing hi-vis vests with ‘steward’ on the back, with one even carrying a radio and earpiece.
“However, what they didn’t bank on was the professionalism and vigilance of the club’s security team and our officers, who quickly spotted they weren’t wearing any accreditation and worked together to eject them. Their actions have seen them face very serious consequences in court today and for two people who were so desperate to see this one game, they will now not be able to go to any for three years.
“I would like to thank the stewards who spotted something was wrong and took immediate action, as well as our officers who swiftly intervened and helped ensure they had their day in court. I hope this reassures the real football fans that we work closely with football clubs and will take action against those who threaten to disrupt games.”
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The force spokesperson said: “The court heard how Kane Green, 29, of Magdalen Road, Portsmouth, told officers that he went to the game with the hope to buy tickets outside, but had the hi-vis vest, radio and earpiece with him just in case he couldn’t get one. He denied being near the pitch and said he only wanted to get in to watch the game and didn’t intend to do anything else. Dale Green, 31, of Devonshire Avenue, Portsmouth, made no comment during his interview.”
