A man has been banned from attending football matches in the UK after he was caught threatening Chester FC players and staff.

On 3 February, Lee Newman, of Saltney Ferry, Chester, appeared at Mansfield Magistrates' Court.

He was handed a Football Banning Order, prohibiting him from attending any football match in the UK for the next three years.

Following the end of the match on 30 August 2025, Newman made his way into the away dressing room at Windsor Foodservice Stadium in Sandy Lane, Worksop. 

Once inside, he hurled insults and threats at some of the Chester players, as well as members of their coaching staff.

Newman then headed outside the stadium, where he was filmed pushing and shouting abuse at opposing match supporters.

The 44-year-old was identified following the incident, and later pleaded guilty to using threatening words and behaviour with intent to cause unlawful violence.

Newman also pleaded guilty to entering an area adjacent to the playing area.

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On 3 February, he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates' Court and was handed a Football Banning Order prohibiting him from attending any football match in the UK for the next three years. Newman was also ordered to pay a penalty of £837.

A spokesperson for Chester FC said: "The man had previously been issued with an indefinite club ban from Chester FC fixtures after he was identified from CCTV footage.

"As a fan-owned club, we will always defend and respect supporters right to ask questions and criticise.

"However, we do not believe vile abuse, personal attacks, and physical threats are warranted under any circumstances, and have a zero-tolerance policy for such behaviour."

PC Lee Ryan, of the Worksop North neighbourhood policing team, said: "A vast majority of fans attending the match did so peacefully and were there to rightfully show support for their local team.

"Individuals who behave in this manner, however, give football clubs – and football supporters in general – a bad reputation, and this will never be tolerated by the force.

"As Worksop Town have been newly promoted, we want to reassure supporters that we are there to make sure their fixtures go ahead without a hitch.

"So, whether incidents happen inside or outside of the stadiums, supporters should know that any reckless, disorderly or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and that we will actively seek banning orders where appropriate."

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