Two Cardiff City fans receive five-year Football Banning Orders

Two men have received a Football Banning Orders and suspended prison sentences following an assault at the Cardiff City Stadium during last season’s South Wales derby.

The victim was a Swansea City fan who was sat with a group of friends in the home end among Cardiff City fans on April 1, 2023.

When Swansea City scored the winning goal deep in injury time, the victim instinctively jumped up to celebrate which led to him being assaulted.

Steven Jones, 33, from Mountain Ash, and Cory Jones, 28, from Abercynon, pleaded guilty to assault and affray and were yesterday (Tuesday, March 12) sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court.

The brothers were identified from CCTV and mobile phone footage which showed them throwing punches and kicking.

Stadium stewards and other supporters intervened to prevent the assault and protect the victim who was pushed down approximately 10 steps into a row of seats before being escorted out of the stadium.

The 23-year-old from Neath was taken by ambulance to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, where he was treated for cuts and bruises to his head, back and torso.

Footage showed Jones and Jones laughing in the concourse following the incident.

Cardiff City Dedicated Football Officer PC Simon Chivers, from South Wales Police, said:

“This was appalling behaviour and no doubt the overwhelming majority of Cardiff City fans who are well-behaved and passionate about their club, will be shocked by this incident.

“Given the volume of punches and kicks to the head, it is remarkable and fortunate that this assault did not result in more serious injury.

“Whenever there is evidence of football-related disorder or violence we always pursue those responsible in order that appropriate action is taken.

“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated at the Cardiff City Stadium.”

In addition to the five-year football banning order, Steven Jones was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment suspended for two years and Cory Jones was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment suspended for two years.

Cory Jones was made subject to a 120-day abstinence from alcohol order and must complete 180 hours of unpaid work.

Steven Jones was also made subject to 120-day abstinence from alcohol order and must complete 120 hours of unpaid work.

They must each pay the victim £500 compensation.