Women's Euros pitch invader gets three-year football banning order
Oil protestor Jack Cooper was arrested during the England-Spain quarter-final in Brighton
Last updated 12th Aug 2022
A Just Stop Oil protestor who invaded the pitch during a UEFA Women's Euros match in Brighton has been banned from football games for three years.
Jack Cooper from Burgess Hill was tackled by security officers at the Amex after he ran onto the field during the England-Spain quarter final on July 20th.
He had attempted to tie himself to a goalpost during the incident, which was witnessed by a capacity crowd.
Cooper admitted going onto the playing area of a football match contrary to the Football (Offences) Act at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on August 11
The 21-year-old sports coach, of Leylands Road, was sentenced to a three-year Football Banning Order, which also places restrictions on him travelling abroad.
He was also ordered to pay a £40 fine, a £16 victim surcharge, and £85 court costs.
Sussex Police’s dedicated football officer PC Darren Balkham said:
“This was an international tournament played to a global television audience.
“We have seen similar incidents like this in recent months, but entering the field at a football fixture is a criminal offence.
“So I am pleased with the outcome of this case. It shows that we will prosecute those who do so.”
England won the match 2-1 after extra time and went on to win the tournament, defeating Germany in the final at Wembley.