Wolves fan banned for throwing pie at rival West Ham supporter
A pie-throwing Wolves fan has been banned from matches for three years after targeting a rival fan seated below.
Josephine Johnson pleaded guilty to hurling the missile, which hit a West Ham supporter on the head during Wolves 3-0 win at Molineux.
The 44 year old, from Rugeley, was in the Steve Bull stand when she let the pie drop onto Hammers supporters below on January 29, Walsall Magistrates' Court heard.
Prosecuting, Roger Blezzard, said: “An away supporter contacted a steward saying someone had thrown down a pie and it had hit them on the head.
"CCTV was reviewed and identified a female had intentionally dropped the pie. It was dropped from a higher vicinity.
“She had been a season ticket holder for many years.
"She had consumed two pints of alcohol and something from a hip flask.
"She was in a relationship that had broken down and was going to football as a release.
“She initially said it was an accident, but when shown CCTV admitted she got excited and carried away.
"She thought it would be funny to hit a supporter, she was not trying to hurt anyone.”
Mr Richard Quinn, defending, said Johnson had been going through a divorce.
He added: “She did something she would normally not dream of doing. She is very, very sorry.”
Johnson, of Lockside View, was banned from games for three years until February 2022 on Thursday.
She was also fined £300 and ordered to pay costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £30.
Sentencing her, deputy district judge Graham Bennett said: “The offence is described as throwing a pie.
“You will be aware how serious matters of disorder between opposing fans can quickly escalate into violence.
"You gave really little thought about the consequences.”
