Man given football banning order for throwing drink at police officer

A man who during the recent Brighton v Crystal Palace game threw his drink over a police officer has been given a Football Banning Order.

59 year-old Matthew Forsdyke admitted offences of assaulting an emergency worker and being drunk and disorderly in public.

Forsdyke, of Hythe Crescent, Seaford, was arrested and charged with the two offences, and appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Thursday 2 April.

He was given a three-year Football Banning Order which contains a number of prohibitions. He was also fined £120, and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

PC Gregg Marshall, Dedicated Football Officer for Surrey Police and Sussex Police, said: “Our officers are committed to supporting Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club to ensure the safety of all attendees, staff and emergency service workers at fixtures.

“Being assaulted should not – and will not – ever be considered part of their job, and any such behaviour will not be tolerated.”