Hooligans handed red cards

Two Wolves hooligans who handed themselves into police after seeing their pictures in the Express & Star have been banned from football matches for three years.

Nicholas Smith, aged 36, was told he posed a risk to the public after hurling a brick following Wolves' clash with Stoke. He and Steve Worrall, aged 20, were involved in ugly clashes with visiting supporters after February's fixture, which Wolves lost 4-2.Their pictures were among a police gallery of suspected hooligans in the Express & Star earlier this month.

It is understood both men handed themselves into police after spotting their faces in the paper.

After the game, Wolves fans threw bricks, narrowly avoiding drivers in Stafford Street near the university.

Mr Roger Bleazard, prosecuting at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court, yesterday said that half-bricks were being "rained" down on Stoke fans.

Smith, a storeman who has been watching Molineux games since 1992, was said to have been having a quiet drink in The Feathers pub on Molineux Street when trouble flared outside.

Smith, from Burnell Road, Admaston, Telford, told police officers that he "felt like an idiot" for leaving the pub and throwing a brick in the direction of the away supporters.

Chairman of the bench Mrs Susan Carrick told him: "This is a very serious offence which can carry a custodial sentence.

"It was in a very public place and in a group. We recognise there was some provocation, but we believe you committed this offence intentionally and you pose a risk to the general public."

Worrall, of Brecknell Rise, Kidderminster, was said to have been part of a large group of yobs who were swearing, being abusive and throwing missiles in the Camp Street area.

He told the court: "I apologise. I had a bit to drink. It was a big derby game and things overpowered me."

Each pleaded guilty to affray and were given a 12-month community order, told to carry out 120 hours of unpaid community work and given a three-year match ban as well as being ordered to pay £60 in costs.