Man banned from football matches after assaulting police officer ahead of Swindon Town game
29-year-old James Farmer instigated disorder between football fans
Last updated 27th Apr 2026
A man has been banned from attending football matches for three years after assaulting a police officer ahead of a Swindon Town game.
James Farmer, 29, of Munro Close, Walcot, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court last week (23rd April) charged with causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress, and assaulting an emergency worker.
The charges related to an incident on 28th February before Swindon Town's match against Bristol Rovers.
Farmer pleaded guilty to the charges and was issued with a three year football banning order and a community order to complete 40 hours of unpaid work.
Wiltshire Police said ahead of the game Farmer punched a police officer in the face and then instigated disorder among Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers fans.
Upon arrest, Farmer was found to be carrying weighted gloves.
PC Dan Hatt said: “This kind of behaviour has absolutely no place in football or in our communities.
"Threatening violence to opposition supporters or the people that work at football matches is a serious matter, and this banning order reflects that.
"We hope this outcome sends a clear message that disorder of this nature will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with clubs and partners to keep supporters safe.”
Inspector Louis McCoy, Force Operations, said: “We will continue to be robust around our policing and response to disorder at football matches and will look to hold those to account who break the law and display poor behaviour, ruining the game for others.
“We are continuing to investigate the STFC v BRFC match and expect further arrests to follow.”