A Wolverhampton Wanderers supporter has been banned from attending football matches for four years after a court found he mocked the victims of a fatal police crash. Bradley Aston, a 20-year-old student from Walsall, pleaded guilty to a public order offence following an incident at the Riverside Stadium earlier this month.

He was given an eight-week jail term, suspended for a year, and ordered to complete community work. The offence occurred after a match between Middlesbrough and Wolves.

The offence and sentencing

Aston was arrested at the end of the match after smiling and holding up his mobile phone towards opposing fans. The screen displayed a message referencing the A66 crash which claimed the lives of two Cleveland Police officers and five young men. Deputy district judge Steven Jonas told Aston his actions were intended to cause maximum offence and could have provoked substantial disorder. The judge said the act was extremely serious.

The judge noted an element of planning, as the message was shown via a social media app. He decided against imposing the maximum five-year football banning order due to Aston's remorse and his age. Aston was banned from going near his team's stadium on matchdays and from all regulated football matches, including a future international tournament.

Wider condemnation and impact

Cleveland Police's chief constable condemned the act, stating it caused deep distress. She said her officers have faced an unprecedented level of trauma. The court heard that some police staff may not be able to return to work as a result of the distress caused.

Aston's defence solicitor said her client was embarrassed and had acted without thinking, letting down his family and the wider community. Aston, who is a university student, is now considering withdrawing from his course. He was ordered to pay financial penalties.

The club's focus now returns to the pitch. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of actions taken in a football context.

Background and full detail: Daily Mirror Football