Man banned from football matches

Police have welcomed a second Football Banning Order imposed on a Leicestershire man who orchestrated violence at matches.

Justin Barrell from Oadby will not be able to attend any Leicester City home or away match for the next three years.

Barrell, 35, has been the subject of two other exclusion and banning orders.

District Judge Richard Holland said he was sure that while Barrell avoided being directly active in any confrontations, he orchestrated events.

'Clear message'

Barrell was made the subject of a previous banning order in January 2001 - but it was revoked after he had served two years of the ban.

He was also the subject of an 18 month Sporting Event Exclusion Order in 1993.

The new order prevents him from attending Leicester City matches, and excludes him from the city centre and from zones around stadia when games are to be played.

Superintendent Judith Rowden, a football match commander for Leicestershire Constabulary, said: "The result of the application sends a very clear message to others intent on causing trouble at football matches.

"Football hooliganism will not be tolerated and firm action will be taken against anyone who breaks or attempts to break the law."