Latics thug is given a 4-year ban

A 20-YEAR-OLD Latics fan, who tried to headbutt a train conductor, has been banned from all football matches for four years.

Christopher Hall, of Turf Lane, Royton, pleaded guilty to common assault and a public order offence at Manchester City Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how Hall was asked to move from the first class carriage of a Virgin train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly on March 28, as he did not have the correct ticket.

He reluctantly agreed and spent the rest of the journey drinking beer and singing football songs, following Athletic’s 2-1 defeat at Leyton Orient towards the end of last season.

On arrival in Manchester, Hall became abusive to the train manager and tried to headbutt him before punching him in the side of the head.

British Transport Police were called and Hall was arrested. He continued to shout abuse at the train manager and was later charged with the two offences.

The order bans Hall from all regulated football matches for the next four years.

Magistrates also banned Hall from travelling to or from, or being in, any town or city where Latics or England are playing — including Oldham on home match days.

Football intelligence officer David Sykes said: “The length of the banning order shows how seriously the magistrates viewed Hall’s behaviour.

“He was offensive during the train journey, but was allowed to remain on the train by the manager.

“His actions at Manchester Piccadilly were not only extremely violent, but also took complete disregard of the courtesy shown to him by the Virgin staff.

“British Transport Police is determined to address anti-social and violent behaviour on trains and at stations and we will not hesitate to seek banning orders against anyone whose behaviour is deemed to be football-related.

“The order imposed should serve as a stark warning to others who seek to cause trouble on the railway — disorder will not be tolerated.”

As well as the banning order, Hall was sentenced to 250 hours community service and was ordered to pay £300 compensation to the train manager.