Lincoln football thugs admit role in station scuffle

Source: Lincolnshire Echo

Saturday, March 13, 2010, 06:30

A football yob told police that onlookers would have been scared and thought he was "scum" after supporters clashed at Lincoln train station.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was part of a group of Lincoln lads who traded insults with FC United of Manchester fans following two games in the city in August 2009.

The teenager was joined in Lincoln Magistrates' Court yesterday by a 17-year-old, who also cannot be named, and Marcus Norton, 21, of East Liberty, Lincoln.

All three pleaded guilty to one public order charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

City magistrates heard football fixtures took place at Lincoln City's Sincil Bank stadium and Lincoln United's Ashby Avenue ground, in the Hartsholme area, on August 22, 2009.

Non-league Retford United hosted FC United of Manchester - a team established by supporters of Manchester United - while the Imps played Burton Albion.

Following the end of both games, a group of FC United of Manchester fans walked to Lincoln Central Station where a confrontation broke out at 6.30pm with a number of younger Lincoln-based supporters.

Prosecutor Matthew Coles told the court that 16-year-old was asked by police what he believed members of the public would have thought of his behaviour.

"He said people would have been scared and they would think 'scum'," said Mr Coles.

Mr Coles said Norton was at the non-league game at Ashby Avenue before walking into town with his mates.

The court heard Norton admitted he had a short temper and reacted after watching a friend get jumped on by one of the older football fans.

The two teenagers will appear at Lincoln Youth Court on Thursday, March 18, for sentencing.

Norton was fined £200 for his actions. No football banning orders were applied for by the prosecution.

In separate matters, Norton also pleaded guilty to one theft offence on January 18 and a breach of a previous court order. He was jailed for six months after District Judge Richard Blake enacted two suspended sentences imposed for earlier offences.