Tranmere Rovers fan set to be first woman banned from football matches

Tranmere Rovers fan Abbie-Leigh Reay is set to become the first woman banned from all football stadiums.

The 23-year-old was arrested after throwing a flare onto the pitch during Tranmere Rovers’ 4-0 loss to Forest Green Rovers at Prenton Park in January.

CCTV footage captured the moment the object was thrown onto the pitch near referee Lee Swabey and Forest Green goalkeeper Luke McGee, with Reay seemingly putting her hands up in celebration.

She was found guilty of throwing a missile onto a football playing area under the Football (Offences) Act 1991, despite denying the charge.

Reay, who represented herself, told the court that she threw the flare in a ‘panic’ to protect her asthmatic partner and brother.