Football Banning order imposed on man who invaded pitch in Brighton

A man who entered the playing field during the UEFA Women’s Euros football tournament in Brighton has been sentenced.

Jack Cooper, 21, was seen approaching the goal mouth in front of the South Stand at Brighton and Hove Albion’s stadium in Falmer on Wednesday, July 20.

It was during the England team’s successful quarter final fixture against the women’s team from Spain.

The incident was seen by a sell-out crowd inside the stadium and millions also watched on television in the UK and around the world.

But he was quickly detained by security staff and was arrested by police officers, and he was then charged.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on August 11 he admitted going onto the playing area of a football match contrary to the Football (Offences) Act.

Cooper, a sports coach, of Leylands Road, Burgess Hill, was sentenced to a three-year Football Banning Order.

The order bans him from attending football fixtures in the UK for three years and also places restrictions on him travelling abroad.

He was also ordered to pay a £40 fine, a £16 victim surcharge, and £85 court costs.

Sussex Police’s dedicated football officer PC Darren Balkham said: “This was an international tournament played to a global television audience.

“We have seen similar incidents like this in recent months, but entering the field at a football fixture is a criminal offence.

“So I am pleased with the outcome of this case. It shows that we will prosecute those who do so.”