Horsham man receives three-year Football Banning Order after Reading disorder
Gareth Whitehouse sentenced for public order offence linked to football rivalry
After a Thames Valley Police investigation, a 41-year-old Cardiff man has been issued a three-year Football Banning Order following conviction for a public order offence related to a football rivalry incident in Reading.
Gareth Whitehouse, of Lee, Cardiff, appeared at Slough Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 16th June, where he admitted to using threatening or abusive language or behaviour with the potential to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.
Whitehouse's actions on Greyfriars Street in Reading on 18th April 2026 resulted in the disorder between fans of Reading FC and Cardiff City.
Sentencing and Impact
Having pleaded guilty, Whitehouse was sentenced to a Football Banning Order and has additionally been ordered to pay £253 in fines and costs.
Football Banning Orders are devised to preclude further disorder, encompassing strict conditions such as barring attendance at matches and mandating passport surrender during major international tournaments to restrict overseas travel by known offenders.
Police Commentary
PC Steve Mountain, dedicated football officer for Reading FC, expressed that such disorder is unwelcome in both football and within communities, stressing the importance of enjoying matches peacefully.
"With major international tournaments such as the World Cup attracting global attention, Football Banning Orders play a crucial role in preventing known offenders from travelling overseas," Mountain stated.
He affirmed the commitment to collaborating with clubs and partners to identify those engaged in anti-social and criminal behaviour, ensuring accountability.