Two brothers, Kane and Dale Green, who posed as stewards to gain unauthorized entry into a sold-out football match have been banned from attending games for three years. The incident took place less than an hour before the Southampton vs Portsmouth south coast derby kicked off in September.
The brothers, aged 29 and 31 respectively, are ardent supporters of Portsmouth FC. They arrived at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton for the match - the first league meeting between these rivals in 13 years - wearing hi-vis vests and carrying radio equipment to blend in with staff.
This was not just any game; it was a highly anticipated event that had fans buzzing with excitement. However, when tickets sold out quickly, some fans were left disappointed. Among them were Kane and Dale Green who decided to take matters into their own hands.
Caught red-handed
Unfortunately for them, their plan did not go unnoticed. They were caught by authorities less than an hour before kick-off time. Upon being apprehended by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary officers, Kane Green admitted that they had hatched this plan "just in case" they couldn't buy tickets outside the ground.
The men pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and going on to a playing area of a football match – both serious offenses under UK law. As a result of their actions, they were ordered to pay fines and costs totalling just over £1,000 each.
In addition to financial penalties imposed on them by the court system, they also received bans from attending any football matches for three years – a severe blow for any dedicated fan.
Lesson learned
This incident serves as an important reminder about respecting rules even when passions run high during sporting events like these derbies which often stir up intense emotions among fans. It's crucial to remember that while the love for the game can lead us to do extraordinary things, it should never push us into illegal activities.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, said
"This was a ridiculous plot to try and see the game, despite knowing tickets were sold out and those without tickets would not be getting in. They clearly came with the intention to get into the stadium illegally, bringing hi-vis vests with 'steward' on the back, with one even carrying a radio and earpiece.
"However, what they didn't bank on was the professionalism and vigilance of the club's security team and our officers, who quickly spotted they weren't wearing any accreditation and worked together to eject them."
While this tale of two brothers may have started with a passion for football, it ended with a lesson in law and order. Their story serves as a warning to other sports fans about the consequences of taking such drastic measures just to watch a match.
