It happened during a derby match
Author: Jon BurkePublished 59 minutes ago
Last updated 57 minutes ago
A man has received a three-year football banning order, after a running onto the pitch during the East Anglian Derby earlier this year.
It happened on Saturday 11 April 2026, at Carrow Road at the end of the game between Norwich City and Ipswich Town.
51 year-old Sean Walsh, of The Pastures, Rushmere St Andrew, was subsequently charged with going onto the playing area at a football match.
He pleaded guilty to the offence and appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court yesterday (11 June) where he was handed the three-year banning order and ordered to pay £730 in fines and costs.
Dedicated Football Officer, PC Mathew Ewing, said: “We understand emotions can run high at these games, but when someone runs onto the pitch, players and officials have no way of knowing in that instant who that person is or whether they pose a threat.
“Pitch incursions can quickly escalate and also have the potential to raise tensions between fans.
“Football banning orders are an important tool in helping to keep matches safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.”