THREE people from Guernsey involved in disorder at Springfield Stadium following last month’s Muratti Vase match have been handed bans from future games and could face criminal proceedings.
Jersey police have confirmed the action taken in partnership with their Guernsey counterparts, and the respective football associations of the two islands, after trouble broke out among a small number of supporters at the men’s Muratti final on 16 May.
“Behaviour such as entering the field of play, throwing objects, engaging in threatening or abusive conduct, and acts of violence have no place in football or the wider community and will not be tolerated,” the force said in a statement issued today.
The trouble saw a confrontation between rival supporters at one end of the Springfield pitch at the end of the match, won 2-1 by Guernsey, with flares and a wheely bin among the items thrown.
As part of what was described as a “detailed investigation”, the police said three individuals had been identified and were assisting with “ongoing enquiries”.
The statement continued: “The individuals have each been issued with notices banning them from attending future football association matches in both Jersey and Guernsey. Criminal proceedings may also follow.”
The police did not respond to queries about the length of the bans meted out.
Jersey FA chief executive Tim Pryor said: “This sends out a clear and strong message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated at local football matches.
“The huge majority of the 1,500 people in attendance at the Men’s Muratti behaved well, enjoyed the occasion and supported their team in the right way.
“A small minority crossed the line, and they will not be welcome back at Springfield for future Jersey FA representative team matches.”
Acting chief inspector Aidan Quenault said the disorder had spoiled an enjoyable family event for the majority of those in attendance, adding: “The pan-island investigation between the States of Jersey Police, Guernsey Police, the Jersey FA and the Guernsey FA represents the seriousness with which the involved agencies take this matter and the collaborative action and banning orders reinforce that message”
Supportive comments were also made by the police and football association in Guernsey, with GFA chief executive Gary Roberts condemning the “disgraceful behaviour of a small minority” and Sarnian Chief Inspector Adam Parry Jones adding that the matter “cannot and will not go unaddressed” and hailing the collaborative work between the four agencies involved.
News of the investigation came as part of a police focus on the World Cup, which began last week and will see both England and Portugal, arguably the two national sides with the highest support base in Jersey, playing their first matches later today.
