A 26-year-old man has received a three-year football ban after pleading guilty to attending a Reading football match in possession of a firework or flare.

The incident occurred at the match between Reading FC and Portsmouth FC at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on October 28, 2023.

Joe Faithfull, 26, of Madeira Road, Portsmouth was arrested on the same day and charged on January 22 for attending the sporting event in possession of a firework/flare.

Investigating officer PC Russ Irwin said: “I welcome the court imposing this banning order following the offense and hope that it acts as a strong deterrent for anyone who participates in such behavior.

“This sentence demonstrates that police will deal robustly with those who commit crime at football matches, and we will always seek a sentence through the courts.”

Faithfull attended Reading Magistrates Court on Wednesday, February 28 where he pleaded guilty.

Alongside the banning order, he has also been ordered to pay over £300 in charges – including a victim surcharge of £66, costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service, and a fine of £166.

Thames Valley Police added: “Football matches should be a safe place for all people and Thames Valley Police will always deal with incidents at football matches seriously and apply for football banning orders where appropriate.”