Hooligans are shown red card
Banned 10 face jail after previous pre- match violence
TEN match day hooligans have been shown the red card for tomorrow’s derby after pleading guilty to an earlier pre- game clash with rival fans.
Nine men and a 17- year- old youth have been warned they face jail after admitting their parts in a violent confrontation with West Ham supporters before the match at the Stadium of Light on January 12.
The trouble broke out at Low Row in the city centre before the game started.
As well as the prison warning for each defendant, Judge Jeremy Freedman said he had SAFC’s clash with rivals Newcastle “well in mind” and extended the bail condition meaning they must not go within a two mile radius of any stadium hosting a premiership or international match.
An interim football banning order is in place in all cases, which also keeps them away from Sunday’s game and any other football matches.
During a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday Thomas Kelly, 18, of Eighth Avenue, Chester le Street, Bradley Dixon, 18, of Patton Road, Plains Farm, Lewis Dodsworth, 18, of Bowburn Avenue, Wear View, Anthony Smith, 26, of Purvis Terrace, Trimdon, Sean Herron, 18, of Hogarth Drive, Washington, Connor McCoy, 20, of Perth Avenue, Jarrow, Simon Badham, 20, of Frobisher Street, Hebburn, Jamie Phenny, 21, of The Spinney, Bridgend, Christopher Webb, 23, of East Her- rington, Sunderland and a 17- year- old youth all pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder.
Judge Freedman told the men: “Each of you have pleaded guilty to an offence of violent disorder which is a very serious offence and you must recognise you have placed your liberty at risk.
“It is very likely, in each case, there will be a term of immediate imprisonment.
“Nevertheless, I will adjourn for presentence reports to be prepared but you must not read anything into that.
“What you did on that day warrants a term of custody.”
The defendants will learn their fate in December, when a two- day sentencing hearing takes place.
A group of defendants from the West Ham faction are due in court next month.