Football fan banned for punching police officer

The incident happened ahead of a Championship fixture at Elland Road

A football fan has been banned from attending all matches in the UK for three years after he punched a police inspector.

Leeds United fan Thomas Stiff, 19, was sentenced at Leeds Magistrates Court on 2 August for assaulting an emergency worker.

The attack took place on 28 October when Leeds United fans clashed with Huddersfield Town supporters in Leeds city centre ahead of a game at Elland Road.

Stiff, of Windy Hill Lane, Marske-by-the-Sea, punched the officer and fled the scene but was subsequently identified and charged.

West Yorkshire Police Ch Supt Russ Hughes said: “Assaults on our officers will not be tolerated and we will always seek to take positive action in these circumstances.

“As a result of his actions, Stiff has not only found himself out of pocket but also been banned from following his football team for the foreseeable future.”

In addition to the banning order, Stiff was also fined £400 with court costs of £85 and ordered to pay £100 compensation.

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