HC Deb 16 March 2004 vol 419 cc184-5W
Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) who makes the decision to impose a football banning order on an individual under the Football Spectators Act 1989, as amended by the Football (Disorder) Act 2000; [160507]

(2) whether he has advised the Football Association that the provisions of the Football Spectators Act 1989, as amended by the Football (Disorder) Act 2000, apply to players and officials as well as to football supporters; [160508]

(3) how many (a) football players and (b) officials have been subject to a football banning order under the Football Spectators Act 1989, as amended by the Football (Disorder) Act 2000. [160509]

Ms Blears

In accordance with the provisions of Football Spectators Act 1989 (as amended by the Football (Disorder) Act 2000), it is for the court to determine whether or not to impose a football banning order following a conviction of a football-related offence or a complaint laid by the police. The football authorities are aware of the relevant legislation. No senior player or official has been subject to a football banning order. The imposition of such an order would be a matter for the courts.