Football banning orders
New legal provisions effective from 1 January 2012 give the courts powers to impose football banning orders if you are convicted of football-related violence or disorder.
What is a football banning order?
A football banning order bans you from attending a range of regulated football matches in Northern Ireland for a set period of time. The judge will decide the duration of the banning order, but it must be between three and ten years.
You will not be allowed to attend matches played in Northern Ireland by clubs in the top two leagues of the Irish Football Association or the Football Association of Ireland. You also won’t be allowed to attend international football matches played in Northern Ireland.
Additional banning order requirements
A judge may also attach additional requirements to a banning order - for example banning you from being in licensed premises near home games around match times.
When a banning order may be made
If you are convicted of an offence of violence or disorder, and this was connected in some way with a football match, the court must consider whether to make a banning order.
If the judge believes that making a banning order against you would help to prevent future violence or disorder in connection with football matches, then the judge must make the order.
Disorder and violence includes a wide range of behaviour, including:
- threats of violence
- putting someone’s life in danger
- abusive behaviour
- stirring up sectarian or racial hated
- displaying written threats, abuse or insults
Banning orders are intended to support measures in law and by sports authorities to help create a welcoming and safe environment for spectators at matches.
Complying with a football banning order
If you fail to comply with a football banning order it is a criminal offence. You can be punished with up to six months in jail and / or a fine of £5,000.
Student finance
Get help with rates
Passports
