Written 3rd January 2018 by Ruth Peters

It is a big weekend for football fans as the drama of the third round of the FA Cup arrives. As ever there are a number of lower league clubs hoping to assume the role of giant killer. Exeter City, Coventry City and Luton Town from League 2 will take on Premier League opponents. There are local derbies in the North East and on Merseyside as Middlesbrough face Sunderland and Liverpool play Everton.

Video Assistant Referee

This weekend also sees the arrival of the Video Assistant Referee in competitive top flight English club football for the first time. The system will be rolled out on the South coast when Brighton and Hove Albion take on arch rivals Crystal Palace. The match official will be in contact throughout the game with an assistant based at the Premier League Match Centre who will be able to view footage to assist with decisions regarding goal, penalties, sending offs and issues of mistaken identity. The referee will also be able to view footage of incidents himself if he chooses to do so.

Monday nights game at the Amex Stadium will also be under scrutiny for the wrong reasons. It is the first time the sides have met since the end of November when there were a number of incidents in and around the ground. Six people were arrested and it was alleged that a number of weapons including knives and knuckle dusters were found. Police described the events as a ‘return to the dark day of football’. However some remarks were withdrawn and Sussex Police subsequently apologised to both clubs and their sets of supporters.

Football Banning Orders

At Olliers we know that football fans are often very passionate and committed about supporting their team. We also know that there are occasions when football fans can find themselves in difficulty, often through no fault of their own. The powers of the police can be wide ranging and for people convicted of football related matters the courts can impose a range of sentences and orders which include Football Banning Orders.

Football Related Offending

Olliers have significant expertise in dealing with people arrested for football related matters including Public Order Act offences, alcohol and fireworks offences and stadium offences. If you find yourself in difficulties as a result of an incident at a football match you should seek specialist advice. At Olliers we can provide expert advice and representation in connection with police station interviews and court appearances.

Need help? Olliers are specialist football offence lawyers (London & Manchester)

You can contact our specialist football offence lawyers David Philpott and Laura Baumanis on 0161 8341515 or you can email Laura or David. Olliers Solicitors do not deal with football related offences on a legally aided basis.