Two men were sentenced at Dunfermline Sheriff Court earlier this month, after pleading guilty to a breach of the peace prior to the SPL fixture between Dunfermline Athletic and Dundee United.
The court heard that on 29th October 2011 the two men were part of a crowd involved in an altercation inside a bar in St Margaret Street in Dunfermline. In what is believed to be a clash between rival fans, fighting ensued bottles were thrown and furniture overturned.
Michael Lawson (19) was sentenced to a 200 hour Community Payback Order and was made the subject of a three year Football Banning Order.
Alan Mearns (39) was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and also had a five year Football Banning Order imposed.
Even though an offence took place away from the stadium, a court may impose a Football Banning Order if the offence is football related. Before imposing such an order the court must be satisfied:
* That the person was aged 16 or over at the time of the offence,
* That the offence involved violence or disorder
* That the offence related to a football match and
* That there are reasonable grounds to believe that making the order will help prevent violence or disorder at or in connection with any football matches.
