Football fans jailed and banned for bar brawl

A fight broke out in the Armfield Club after Burnley fans entered, police say

Five football fans have been jailed for "disgraceful" disorder in a supporters' club during a Lancashire derby.

A fight broke out after four Burnley fans entered the Armfield Club in Blackpool before kick off between the two teams in the EFL Championship on 4 March 2023, Lancashire Police said.

Punches were thrown and glasses and furniture were hurled inside the bar.

Lancaster Magistrates Court heard two of the men, who were all Blackpool fans, had thrown items off the outside balcony towards the Burnley fans.

Dale Ryan, 38, Ryan Lowe, 38, Craig Elliott, 42, Ian Greenwood, 52, and Christopher Banks, 38, all from Blackpool, were involved in the disorder.

Just before half-time more trouble broke out when two more Burnley fans entered the club with Lowe, Ryan, and Elliott, seen fighting on CCTV footage, police said.

They all admitted affray and were jailed and given football banning orders:

• Dale Ryan, of Washington Avenue, was jailed for 12 months and given a 10-year ban

• Ryan Lowe, of Lakeway, was jailed for 10 months and given an eight-year ban

• Craig Elliott, of Rydal Avenue, was jailed for eight months and given a six-year ban

• Ian Greenwood, of Knox Grove, was jailed for six months and given a eight-year ban

• Christopher Banks, of Rathmell Close, was jailed for four months and given a six-year ban.

PC Byron Worrall, the force's football risk management officer, said: "This was a disgraceful outbreak of disorder and violence.

"We want supporters to be able to go to football matches and enjoy the experience safely.

"Those who choose to become involved in disorder near to stadiums and inside grounds, will be investigated and put before the courts."