Southport fan who punched 13-year-old Radcliffe supporter in the face banned from matches
21-year-old Sean Ryder has been handed a three-year football banning order
Last updated 16th Jan 2026
A man has been banned from attending football matches for three years after punching a 13-year-old boy at a game in Southport.
Sean Ryan, 21, from Old Swan, pleaded guilty to common assault following the unprovoked attack during the Southport FC v Radcliffe FC FA Cup qualifier at Southport Stadium on 16th September last year.
On Thursday 15th January 2026, he appeared at Sefton Magistrates’ Court where he was handed a three-year football banning order.
He was also ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, pay £250 in compensation and cover court costs.
The court heard that after Southport won the second qualifying round match, Ryan – a Southport supporter – walked past The Jack Carr stand and punched a teenage Radcliffe fan in the face. He was detained by stadium staff shortly after.
The boy suffered soreness and was left very distressed by the attack.
Inspector Stuart McLoughlin from Merseyside Police said: “The young victim was left very distressed after the incident and this type of violent behaviour has no place in football.
“Thankfully Ryan quickly admitted the assault after it had happened, and now Ryan is banned from attending any football game in the country.
“Everyone should feel safe without any fear when they are attending a football game.
“We will work to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing any form of unacceptable and violent behaviour at football matches. I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will put you before the courts to be prosecuted.”
Anyone with information about crime at football matches is urged to contact Merseyside Police via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook at ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. Reports can also be made online at merseyside.police.uk
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org