Banned: Wolves hooligans who brought shame on FA Cup Sporting Khalsa game
Fists and bottles were thrown as Wolves hooligans blighted an FA Cup 4th round qualifying match, a judge heard.
Violence flared after up to 40 men – including several already regarded by police as posing a risk of violence at Wolves games – arrived at the Aspray Arena ground in Noose Lane, Willenhall.
See how the trouble unfolded. Warning: Contains strong language
This increased the tension in the 2,000-plus crowd waiting for the the game between Sporting Khalsa and FC United of Manchester to start on October 24, 2015, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.
Trouble started before the match began with members of the ‘risk’ group leading an attack on FC United of Manchester supporters, the court heard.
Miss Caroline Harris, prosecuting, explained: “They were throwing punches, bottles and flares. No police officers were deployed at the match and stewards did what they did to control the situation, but to no avail.”
A video later posted on YouTube showed hooligans hurling missiles and throwing punches in the clash at the corner of the ground. This was later used to identify troublemakers.
The violence subsided after the initial rush at rival fans. But moments later the mob containing the Wolves ‘risk’ men made a second charge throwing more punches as a bin was tossed into the air and a flare hurled onto the pitch. Nobody was badly hurt.
Some of those pictured were recognised by police officers, while others gave themselves up after photos from the footage were published.
Five men, including two who have since been given football banning orders, have admitted affray and will be sentenced later today.
Five others, who pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of threatening behaviour, were dealt with yesterday by Judge James Burbidge QC.
He said: “This should have been a joyous and happy game for those attending and playing but some men appeared intent on engaging in disorder.”
Ashley Bennett, linked to problems at Wolves games, was gesturing, urging people forward and pushing stewards. He got a three month suspended jail sentence with unpaid work, costs and a five year football banning order.
Max Bradley, who rushed forward to throw a punch, got an identical punishment with a two month night time curfew.
Joe Hodson, was at the forefront of the early stages of the incident but not a known ‘risk’ and received a two month suspended jail term with costs and unpaid work.
Charles Mason, a Walsall season ticket holder, was agitating and shouting ‘come on’ to rival fans. He was given a 12 month community order and five year football ban. Thomas Webb, also seen gesturing at other supporters, got a similar community order.
Here are the defendants involved in clashes
Ten defendants faced the court. Of these, five admitted affray. They are: Lee Dougliss, aged 22, from Brookeridge Close, Willenhall; Adam Hickman, 27, from School Street, Willenhall; Mark Hodgetts, 28, of Green Park Avenue, Bilston; Jerome Nicholls, 21, from Clarence Road, Bilston, and Steven Walters, 30, of Perry Avenue, Bushbury.
The others pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour.
They area: Ashley Bennett, 25, from Aston Road, Willenhall; Joe Hodson, 23, of Julian Road, Eastfield; Thomas Webb, 24, from Deansfield Road, Eastfield, and Charles Mason, 21, of Pinfold Lane, Cheslyn Hay, and Max Bradley, 19, from Ashmore Park, Wednesfield.
