Eleven football fans involved in a large-scale fight in Cheltenham town centre have been handed three-year football banning orders, along with fines and community service. The group, comprising ten Cheltenham Town supporters and one Bristol Rovers fan, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on October 20 and 23, following a violent incident dating back over three years.
The disorder erupted on October 15, 2022, around 2 pm outside two pubs—The Moon Under Water and The Miller—on Bath Road, just one hour before a League One match between Cheltenham Town and Bristol Rovers, which Bristol Rovers ultimately won 4-1. A street brawl broke out between the groups, involving punches before both sides dispersed.
Police launched an investigation utilizing CCTV footage from the venues and public appeals, identifying 15 men connected to the affray. Of those, eleven pleaded guilty, one was acquitted, and charges against three were dropped. All guilty parties received football banning orders lasting three years, fines of £214, and community service ranging from 40 to 100 hours.
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During sentencing, the court acknowledged the defendants’ youth and expressed hope that they had matured since the incident. The Cheltenham supporters banned include James Bennett, James Groom, Samuel Morgan-Phelps, Daniel Hicks, Harry Locke, George Parsons, Macauley Parsons, Mason Tea, Adam Upton, and Kieran Watts. The lone Bristol Rovers supporter is Luke Wilson.
Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Football Officer PC Adrian Tuft emphasized the importance of upholding public safety, stating the fortunate absence of serious injuries during the daylight brawl and underscoring that football-related violence will not be tolerated. Similarly, John Duffy, Safety Officer at Cheltenham Town FC, praised the decisive action taken, reinforcing that poor behaviour at club fixtures carries consequences.
These measures serve as a clear message to football fans: violence and disorderly conduct linked to matches will face firm legal consequences to protect community safety.