Man caught up in Wolves v Blues football violence avoids jail term
A man with no interest in football who got caught up in disorder after a Wolves match has been spared jail.
William Fallon said he was angry after being hit on the head by a bottle allegedly thrown as police kept rival fans apart following the Championship clash with Birmingham City at Molineux on March 13 2016.
The furious 25-year-old ‘gesticulated and used choice language,’ said Mr Justin Jarmola, prosecuting, who explained: "There was a coming together between the two sets of supporters.
"Wolves fans were acting out towards those of Birmingham City who were being restrained by police."
The visiting fans were being marshalled away from the ground along Stafford Road towards waiting coaches when trouble flared after the 0-0 draw.
Mr Gary Cook, defending, said Fallon had not attended the game and explained: “He is not a football fan but shouted and gestured after losing his temper. This was an isolated incident. There is nothing in his background that suggests football violence.”
Fallon from Heath Acres, Darlaston, who was among several people arrested, admitted threatening behaviour and was given a 12-month community order with 80 hours unpaid work, a rehabilitation course and £150 costs.
Judge Simon Ward told him: “ Some of those involved were violent fans while the others, like you, displayed aggressive, loutish and violent behaviour. It was appalling.”
The defendant was warned he faced jail if he broke the terms of the court order.
