A West Midlands fan from Leeds United has been arrested for throwing a smoke bomb back into the stands at Birmingham City supporters during post-match violence.
After a West Midlands fan threw the smoke bomb into the stands, Lewis Jackson picked it up and threw it back in the stands.
He continued to gesture to the fans before exiting the stadium, where he ran towards a police officer who was attempting to arrest a man and spat on them.
At Leeds Crown Court last month, it was revealed that one of the club’s supporters had been at the scene of the ‘terrible scenes’ at the stadium after the 1-0 EFL Championship win on October 19 of last year.
Approximately 30 supporters from the away end attempted to prevent the arrest of Jackson, who was charged with violent disorder after he punched, kicked and spit on stewards and police.
The 24-year-old from Kirkland Street in Pocklington near York was sentenced to nine months in prison today (Friday).
He’s one of 26 males and two females accused of violent crimes after a series of public requests for information.
In total, 19 defendants have now served a total of 17 years and 2 months in prison, six of which were suspended. Two defendants have received youth rehabilitation orders, and one defendant has been granted a community order.
The prosecutor, Carmel Pearson, said that the police were worried about being overwhelmed and the stewards were scared.
According to Ms Pearson, one steward sustained injuries to her head and back after being knocked down and struck and kicked by supporters of Birmingham City.
Another steward was stamped on in the head. Ms Pearson said one of the stewards told police that she was worried about her own safety, the safety of her colleagues and the safety of the police officers.
Ian Crawford, Leeds United’s operations director at the time, said: “They were openly expressing hatred towards stewards and police, and I believe this is the most violence I have witnessed in over a decade.”
Mr Crawley was left with an eye injury requiring surgery.
The match ended with celebrations to mark the club’s 100th anniversary, and a large number of supporters from Birmingham City stayed in the stadium.
Two people were injured after coins were thrown at each other.
Later, some Birmingham City supporters made their way onto Elland Road, throwing bottles and road cones during a confrontation with Leeds United supporters.
Jackson was arrested and shown the video at his police interview. He made full admissions and had no prior convictions. He had one prior warning and one prior reprimand.
Mitigating, Peter Hampton said that Jackson had a difficult childhood and that his father’s release from jail around the time the violence occurred brought back ‘a lot of bad memories’.
Hampton noted that Jackson had a ‘good work ethic’ and that his employer had submitted a reference to the court. He also noted that Jackson and his partner had built a stable family life.
A football banning order was also imposed on Jackson.
