A hooligan who threw an object at Manchester United forward Antony Elanga pleaded guilty to charges of assault and was fined and banned for life from Leeds United matches.
The man, 21, threw a vape at the Swedish International during a game Leeds United lost against arch-rivals United at Elland Road on February 20. He pleaded guilty to assault at Leeds Magistrates Court on September 16 and was fined £400.
The unnamed hooligan was also banned from attending football games for five years, and he received a lifetime ban from Elland Road. The thug is part of a group of six fans who were identified after West Yorkshire Police issued an appeal following the heated encounter, which was marred by violent scenes.
Read more: Jesse Marsch outlines how Patrick Bamford can return to peak Leeds United form
During the game, flares and smoke bombs were detonated, while missiles were thrown onto the pitch and towards the stands that housed travelling Manchester United fans. Police combed through CCTV and released images of men they wanted to speak to in connection with those disturbances.
The six hooligans who were identified have all received lifetime bans from Leeds United and different sentences in court. They are two 22-year-old men, and one 27-year-old all from Leeds, as well as a 29-year-old from Cumbria, who admitted hurling missiles and were cautioned.
A 32-year-old man from Leeds was also banned for throwing a missile, while a 37-year-old from Gomersal who threw a missile during Leed's following game against Tottenham was banned for life too.
Manchester United fans who caused trouble at the game have also not been spared. 3 men between the ages of 28 and 35, from Manchester, were fined and received bans. Other fans, were also banned for a range of offences, including being caught with a flare at the stadium, and one for possession of cocaine.
West Yorkshire Police say they are still investigating disturbances before and after the game, at Elland Road, and in the city centre. Senior Investigating Officer, Temporary Detective Superintendent Andy Cass said: “Although there is a very long-established rivalry between these two clubs, there can be absolutely no excuse for the behaviour that we saw from a minority of supporters from both sides at this fixture.
“We worked closely with Leeds United from the outset to identify as many as possible of those involved in incidents during the game to ensure that they were held accountable for their actions. The club has supported those outcomes with lifetime bans which clearly illustrates the tough stance they take against those who cause trouble at matches.
“We are committed to working in partnership with Leeds United to ensure a safe matchday environment, and those who commit offences or involve themselves in anti-social behaviour should be in no doubt that they will face the consequences.
“We know that the vast majority of genuine fans, who show their support for their clubs passionately but within the law, will support our efforts to root out those whose behaviour damages the game.”
READ NEXT:
- Leeds United hoping to capitalise on Arsenal post-European away day trend this weekend
- Familiar face hoping to make Leeds United mark amid Arsenal fitness doubts
- Eddie Gray sends Leeds United vote of confidence and details need for patience
- Leeds United set for FIFA windfall with former Whites duo included in World Cup cash payments
- Josh Warrington still dreams of taking Leeds United supporters to Las Vegas
