A Brighton and Hove Albion fan has been banned from all matches for three years after drunkenly assaulting a police inspector by throwing his drink at him.
Matthew Forsdyke, 59, was one of four fans who were arrested when Brighton played arch-rivals Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium, in Falmer, on Sunday 8 February. Palace won 1-0.
Forsdyke, a caretaker, who turns 60 next month, appeared before Brighton magistrates and pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and being drunk and disorderly.
Sussex Police said: “A man who threw his drink over a police officer at the recent Brighton v Crystal Palace game has been given a football banning order.
“Matthew Forsdyke admitted offences of assaulting an emergency worker and being drunk and disorderly in public.
“It follows the match at the American Express Stadium on Sunday 8 February.
“The officer was part of a public order unit deployed to prevent fans from opposing teams from mixing after the fixture, as is standard policing practice.
“As he approached Forsdyke to engage with him due to his unruly behaviour, the 59-year-old threw the contents of his plastic cup at the officer, then the cup itself.
Matthew Forsdyke
“Forsdyke, of Hythe Crescent, Seaford, was arrested and charged with the two offences and appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Thursday 2 April.
“He was given a three-year football banning order which contains a number of prohibitions.
“He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.”
Dedicated football officer PC Gregg Marshall said: “Our officers are committed to supporting Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club to ensure the safety of all attendees, staff and emergency service workers at fixtures.
“Being assaulted should not and will not ever be considered part of their job and any such behaviour will not be tolerated.”