Man Receives Five-Year Football Prohibition for Lighting Flare in Stadium

An individual has been prohibited from attending football matches for a period of five years, following an incident where he ignited a flare inside a stadium. According to Cleveland Police, Owen McAvoy set off a marine flare beneath a plastic banner in the spectator stands at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium during a Stoke City game held last year. Mr. McAvoy, aged 21 and residing in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, was served with a banning order by Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. PC Chris Hilton stated that igniting the flare amidst a crowd of thousands of supporters carried the risk of causing “mass panic and potential injuries.” Police reported that McAvoy’s arrest occurred after the match on 28 October 2023. He entered a guilty plea on 13 August and was subsequently fined £2,050, which included associated costs, for the offense of possessing a firework or flare at a sporting event. Furthermore, McAvoy received a prohibition from attending any football fixtures across the United Kingdom for the forthcoming five years, with additional limitations imposed on days when Middlesbrough games are played.