Two England football thugs who were involved in fracas before a game in Amsterdam have been banned from matches for three years.
Haydn Ward, 26, punched a police officer and Nathan Felkin, 22, threw two bikes into a canal and stamped on the wheel of another when trouble flared ahead of an international friendly match against Holland on March 23, 2018.
Investigations by West Midlands Police’s football unit also revealed they were involved in hooligan behaviour when they attended matches throughout the country.
Ward had jumped between stands during a Wolves match at West Ham, London, earlier this season – and used offensive language on a train after a game against Leicester City in August.
Felkin was fined for invading the pitch at a match between Sheffield United and Aston Villa last January.
He also had to be escorted from a fixture with Rotherham at Villa Park in September after aggressive behaviour.
Banning orders against the men were granted at Walsall Magistrates court on Wednesday.
Felkin, of Bearwood Road, Birmingham; and Ward of Renton Road, Wolverhampton, are now banned from attending any matches for three years.
Insp Andy Bridgewater, from West Midlands Police’s football unit, said: “We will not tolerate violent and intimidating behaviour from football fans across our region.
“It is completely unacceptable and puts other safety and enjoyment of attending games at risk.
“From our own evidence and working alongside police in Holland we were able to build up a strong case against Felkin and Ward.
“These orders will be closely monitored and if they fail to comply can face jail.
“This should serve as a strong warning that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and those involved in football-related trouble – even when outside the UK – are not free from the law.”
By Richard McAllister
