17/08/2009

Life Ban For Rowdy Portadown Fan

A Portadown football supporter who rushed onto the pitch during a home game against Glentoran at the weekend has been handed a lifetime ban by the club.

The 17-year-old youth, who will appear in court tomorrow charged with disorderly behaviour, broke through a gate and entered the pitch.

It is alleged he attempted to punch Glentoran striker Gary Hamilton, a former Portadown player, who had scored a winning injury-time goal.

Stewards held the youth back, before he was arrested by PSNI officers at the Shamrock Park match.

Today Portadown said it would be issuing the fan with a lifetime ban, but refused to comment further on the incident.

The IFA, which is awaiting a report from the referee, condemned the disturbance.

CCTV footage of Saturday's game is now being examined by the PSNI and Portadown officials.

Glentoran Manager Alan McDonald has raised concerns about the level of security in place at Shamrock Park.

"It is bad when a Portadown supporter can get on and attack Gary Hamilton," he said.

"Hopefully lessons will be learned because there will be further high profile matches down here."

(PR/BMcC)

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