Football: ‘Far Right’ rioters to face banning orders?
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been reported in the English media that those who have taken part in rioting against immigrants, following the murder of three young girls in Southport in the Northwest of England on 29 July 2024, could face banning orders under the Football (Offences) Act of 1991.
The aim of the Act is to curb disorderly conduct - so-called football hooliganism and also known, sadly, as ‘the English disease’ - at football matches.
It is understood that the UK Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is considering the matter and is expected to have talks with the Football Association and others.
Of course, one of the problems in bringing prosecutions under the Act is to identify the rioters and their alleged conduct.
Such a measure would be entirely in line with the statement by the UK Prime Minster, Keir Starmer, a former Director of Public Prosecutions, that rioters would face the full force of the law.
In fact, the Courts have imposed prison terms on the first three rioters who have been prosecuted and convicted of violent disorder.
It is reported that 378 arrests have been made so far as a result of the rioting, which has been widespread in towns and cities throughout the country.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
