WATCH: Three West Brom football thugs in 13-year games ban after trouble with Villa fans
Three Baggies football thugs who squared up to police while trying to confront Villa fans have been banned from games for a combined 13 years.
West Midlands Police has released footage of disorder at last year's FA Cup derby – and vowed to take action against anyone connected to hooliganism.
See the video here:
Albion fans John Ritchie, Carl Ashmore and Robert Bernard can be seen fronting a surge towards Villa supporters as trouble flared at the end of the quarter final tie.
A police divide had been created to separate the two sets of supporters – but Ritchie, Ashmore and Bernard were captured confronting officers and trying to push through police lines as they goaded and abused a group of Villa supporters.
The trouble on March 7 formed part of a catalogue of evidence which was gathered by West Midlands Police to connect the three to football disorder and violence.
Using their association to other 'risk' supporters during other incidents of violence, the force was able to secure Football Banning Orders (FBOs) against the trio.
Evidence presented in support of the orders included trouble after a game with Birmingham City in which a pub was forced to close due to anti-social behaviour.
Ritchie, aged 35, of Marnhan Road in West Bromwich, was given a FBO for five years after appearing before magistrates in Sandwell last Thursday (June 9).
He received two previous orders in 2007 and 2010.
Bernard, 51, of Carisbrooke Road, Wednesbury, was also handed a five-year ban at the magistrates court on May 13 - this was his second after receiving an initial order in 2007.
Ashmore, 30, of Kesteven Road in Hateley Heath, was given his first FBO lasting three years at the same court on Friday (June 10).
It means they are banned from travelling to watch England or be within five miles of a town or city where Albion are playing for three hours before and after a match.
Pc Jane Thursfield, from the force's football unit, said: "There is no place for violence or disorder at football and it is something we will not tolerate.
"We will have no hesitation in seeking banning orders against those we believe are connected with football hooliganism.
"Even if you are not directly involved; if we can build up evidence of association with others during violence and disorder we can build a case for an FBO.
"We have 'spotters' on the lookout for people who try to breach their order; but those who do face being arrested and jailed."
