Vulnerable Latics fan spared stadium ban

AN emotional Latics fan wept in court as he came close to being banned from attending any football match.

Oldham magistrates imposed a conditional order on Jarrod Graham, of Cliff Hill Road, Shaw, after he ran on to the Athletic pitch and tried to celebrate with a player when Oldham played Barnsley on November 21.

Eileen Rogers, prosecuting, said Graham (24), had previously been subject to a banning order for similar behaviour. Graham suffers from cerebral palsy. She said due to his vulnerable nature, Graham is influenced by other supporters, who encourage him to go on to the pitch.

She said: “I understand he loves the game but he’s preyed upon by others. This is to stop him being engaged in criminality; it’s a preventative measure.”

His grandad Kenneth Gibson represented him in court and wept while saying: “He’s extremely sorry. I think getting him banned again is going to the extreme. He has quite a few problems.”

Magistrate Aftab Haque gave him a two-year conditional discharge and order him to pay £100 in court costs. He can now go to matches only when accompanied by his grandfather.