Football banning order for man who hit female fan

Daniel Moonbrook admitted attacking a woman during the Southport v Chorley match

A man who attacked a woman at a non-league football match has been banned from attending games for three years.

Daniel Moonbrook, 22, assaulted the woman during Southport's National League North fixture against Chorley in January.

Merseyside Police said the woman, who had been at the game with her family, had been left "very distressed" over the incident.

Moonbrook, of Regency Gardens in Euxton, Lancashire, admitted assault by beating when he appeared at Sefton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. In addition to the football banning order, he was also fined £300.

'Very distressed'

Magistrates were told disorder broke out among Chorley fans during the second half of the game on 25 January at Southport's The Big Help Stadium on Haig Avenue.

Moonbrook was seen assaulting the female supporter and was ejected from the ground.

Insp Stuart McLoughlin said: "Violence against women and girls will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and this includes football.

"The victim, who was with her family, was left very distressed after the incident and this type of violent behaviour has no place in football.

"This ban prevents Moonbrook from attending any football game in the country.

"Merseyside Police is intent on creating safe spaces for women, and this includes being able to attend football matches where they should feel safe without any fear or harm."