John Phipps, a 45-year-old resident of Slad Road in Stroud, has been handed a three-year football banning order after pleading guilty to racially aggravated harassment at a Swindon Town match. The incident occurred nearly 18 months ago on October 19, 2024, at the County Ground in Swindon, where Phipps was overheard shouting racial abuse at players.
Phipps appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on March 25, where in addition to the football banning order, he was fined £400 and ordered to pay £245 in costs. Wiltshire Police refrained from disclosing the exact nature of his abusive remarks.
Wiltshire Police emphasized their commitment to eradicating discrimination within the sport. PC Dan Hatt, the force’s dedicated football officer, stated: “We take our role in combating discrimination in football very seriously. We seek to prosecute those responsible and apply Football Banning Orders where appropriate to protect the integrity of the game and ensure a positive, family-friendly atmosphere at matches.”
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Currently, there are 20 football banning orders across Swindon and Wiltshire. Police presence at most Swindon Town games helps monitor fan behavior and identify individuals involved in offences or antisocial conduct.