Banning order for Blades fan over abusive songs on train

Michael Harrison, 21, from Atherton Road in Arbourthorne, Sheffield,

was given the three-year order after pleading guilty to racially-aggravated disorderly conduct at Sheffield Magistrates' Court.

He was convicted after British Transport Police (BTP) officers witnessed his behaviour on a train returning from a Doncaster Rovers v Sheffield United game on Saturday, March 20.

Harrison was with a group of about 20 other Blades supporters when he began to sing abusive songs, in front of a family with young children.

Harrison continued his disruptive behaviour when he arrived in Sheffield, signing racist songs towards three Asian men.

It was there that he was arrested.

Pc Wayne Mitchell from BTP's football banning order unit

said: "Previous problems with returning Sheffield United supporters from games led to a BTP covert spotting team being assigned to post-match trains to monitor the supporter's behaviour.

"Abusive language, racially-aggravated slurs and intimidating members of the public, whether inside or outside the ground, or on public transport while travelling to or from a game, is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated by police."

Under the terms of the ban Harrison must not enter any premises in which football is being played in England and Wales.

When the Blades are playing home fixtures at Bramall Lane, he is not to go within 2,500 metres of the stadium or to the city centre.

With away fixtures, Harrison is not allowed within a five-mile radius of the stadium and is banned from travelling on the railway network or London underground when Sheffield United or England are playing.

He will also be required to surrender his passport when Sheffield

United or England are involved in matches abroad.

Pc Mitchell added: "Sheffield United fans, like the majority of football supporters, are well-behaved genuine fans who enjoy supporting their team in good spirits. It is only the behaviour of a small minority, like Mr Harrison, a so-called football fan, who has been intent on causing distress and abuse."