A Guernsey man has been banned from football matches in the Channel Islands and issued a written caution after an investigation into post-match violence at May’s Muratti Vase final.
Ugly scenes broke out at Jersey’s Springfield Stadium following Guernsey’s 2-1 victory, as fans stormed the pitch.
States of Jersey Police used drone footage and CCTV to track down the Guernsey fan, who was “actively involved in the disorder”.
Jersey Police Chief Officer Robin Smith said the violence was “completely unacceptable and not in keeping with either the event or the values of our communities”.
“It was important therefore that the individual responsible was identified and held accountable for his actions.
Wheelie bin
Clashes quickly escalated into physical fights, goading between rival supporters, flares being thrown onto the pitch, and a plastic wheelie bin being hurled into the crowd.
The chaotic aftermath left at least one steward injured with a gashed leg and caused damage to the stadium’s artificial pitch.
Working with Guernsey Police, officers arranged for the man to return to Jersey voluntarily, where he was formally interviewed and given a written caution.
Following joint action by both police forces and the Jersey and Guernsey Football Associations, the man has now been hit with a complete ban from attending future fixtures.
The Muratti is a proud part of both our Island’s sporting history and is enjoyed by thousands of people across Jersey and Guernsey. Good natured rivalry between our Islands is part of the occasion and something that many people enjoy.
Chief Officer Smith said: “The actions of one individual will not spoil what remains one of the Channel Islands’ great sporting occasions.”
