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16th November 2006

'Fan' given national football ban

A man who described himself as "a lifelong Airdrie fan" has become the first person in Scotland to be banned from every football ground in the UK.

Izak Cowie, 38, a member of Airdrie's Section B hooligans, was banned at Airdrie Sheriff Court from football stadiums until 11 November, 2009.

The order is the first of its kind since banning orders were introduced.

Cowie, of Craigneuk, said: "At least when the order is up in three years, Airdrie United will be in the SPL."

The writ cited a variety of football disorders Cowie was alleged to have taken part in since October 2001.

These included being on the pitch at Somerset Park, Ayr, in May 2002.

He was captured on CCTV at a match between Airdrie United and Dundee at New Broomfield, on February 2006, making Nazi salutes.

The ban means he is not allowed within 170 metres of New Broomfield, Airdrie, three hours before or three hours after a day when a match is taking place.

Surrender passport

He is banned from being within one kilometre of all other grounds in the UK when games are taking place.

He must surrender his passport whenever Scottish teams are travelling abroad in Europe or the Scottish international side are playing abroad.

A breach of the order can carry a maximum fine of £5,000 or six months in prison.

Outside the court, Cowie said: "I don't know what I'm going to do with myself on Saturday's now - maybe go to the bookies or just listen to the radio or watch the football on TV."

Banning orders

Chief Supt Kenny Scott, who has led operations to combat football hooliganism, said: "This shows even those not arrested for hooligan activity at football matches are not beyond the scope of this new legislation.

"We hope that the order sends a clear warning to those intending causing trouble that negative behaviour will not be tolerated at football grounds within Scotland."

Football banning orders were introduced on 1 September.

Ch Supt Scott said police were currently pursuing 24 cases.

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said: "I hope this sends a message to those who seek to tarnish our national game that their time is up.

"Caught and punished, they will not darken the doors of our football stadia for many years to come."

Source: BBC