Missile-hurling Bolton and England fan banned from football matches following violence at Euros
A missile-hurling Bolton and England fan has been banned from football matches for five years after being detained at Manchester Airport following violence at the Euros in Germany. Gordon Thomas, 39, was stopped by cops on June 17 under the Football Spectators Act.
The Wanderers supporter didn't face criminal charges, but a civil application for a football banning order was made by police. It's not the first time he's been made the subject of such an order.
Tensions flared between rival fans ahead of the England v Serbia fixture at the European tournament on June 16. Videos widely shared on social media slowed clashes on the streets of Gelsenkirchen. Tables, chairs and bottles were thrown before riot cops arrived. Seven Serbia fans were arrested.
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At Manchester Magistrates' Court on Friday (August 23), Mr Thomas was made the subject of a football banning order. It was revealed he threw a missile at officers during the disorder.
He is now prohibited from attending England matches - and any regulated league fixture, for five years. Prosecuting on behalf of Greater Manchester Police, Julia Draper said officers from our region worked in conjunction with German authorities.
At around 3.45pm, they received information there was 'significant' disorder outside a steakhouse. "It was between 50 and 60 England supporters and an unknown number of Serbia supporters," she added.
When police arrived, they found upturned tables and chairs People were sat around eating and drinking, including families with, children. Around 400 yards away, there was a large group of England fans drinking.
"At around 6.15pm, police became aware of a video