Merseyside Police said the attack was violent and left the victim with a head injury
A boy from Gloucester has been given a three-year football banning order by the courts after violently attacking a 15-year-old at a National League North match.
The 16-year-old boy left the victim with a broken nose and head injury during the assault at Gloucester's match at Southport on 1st April, Merseyside Police said.
At Cheltenham Youth Court, the force said he was given an eight-month referral order, effectively a community order, and a three-year football banning order after pleading guilty to assault and affray.
A spokesperson said CCTV footage of the assault after the game identified a 16-year-old boy from Gloucester as the attacker. He was then charged 6th September.
Speaking after the sentencing, Inspector Tony Grimes said: “I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will put you before the courts if you commit such violent crimes at our stadiums.
“This type of behaviour could have left a teenage boy with serious injuries and has no place in football.
“Our officers will continue to work with clubs to find those responsible for such crimes and bring them to justice so this doesn’t happen to another supporter at our grounds.”
A Southport FC spokesman said: “We were pleased to work with Merseyside Police in relation to this incident and are pleased to see the offender brought to justice quickly.
“There is no place for this kind of behaviour at football matches and Southport Football Club and our stewards will continue to work closely with the necessary authorities to ensure that The Big Help Stadium remains a safe environment for supporters of all ages to attend matches.”