Sussex man, 20, given three-year football banning order

The police force applied for the order against Ellis Bonner, of Ringmer Close, Brighton.

"It was not in relation to a specific crime, but following months of intelligence gathering,” a Sussex Police spokesperson said.

"This included – but is not limited to – the following: Part of a group which conducted in antisocial behaviour, inappropriate chants and train fare evasion on January 10, when Worthing FC travelled to Salisbury.

"Shouted obscenities at away fans following Brighton and Hove Albion’s home fixture against Crystal Palace on 8 February. Of note, Bonner did not have an official match ticket to this game.

“Goaded Milton Keynes fans on the day of their match against Barnet on March 21.

"Threw a can at a fan following Worthing’s clash at Enfield Town on March 28.”

Dedicated football officer PC Sam Smith said: “These are just a small number of examples of incidents Bonner has been involved in since the start of 2026. It is clear he plays an influential role in groups who actively seek to confront, goad and engage in verbal or physical violence against other fans.

“This sort of behaviour causes a significant strain on emergency services resources, and it also affects local communities including businesses and the public. It also damages the reputation of genuine football fans who simply wish to attend matches to support their team.

“We applied for a Football Banning Order against Bonner to prevent him from engaging in violence and disorder, and to help send a message to others that this behaviour will not be tolerated.”

The order was imposed by Brighton Magistrates’ Court on October 21 and lasts for three years, according to Sussex Police.

It prohibits Bonner from the following:

• Entering Worthing town and/or the area around the Sussex Transport Community Stadium, Woodside Road, Worthing, on any weekend when Worthing FC have a home match, four hours prior to kick off and six hours from the conclusion of the game.
• Entering Barnet and/or the area around the Hive Stadium, Camrose Avenue, London, weekend when Barnet FC have a home match, four hours prior to kick off and six hours from the conclusion of the game.
• Entering any town or city in the UK on a day that Worthing FC or Barnet FC are playing there, from four hours before kick-off until four hours after the conclusion of the fixture.
• Entering any town or city in the UK on a day that the England senior men’s national team are playing there, from eight hours before kick-off until eight hours after the conclusion of the fixture.
• Going within three miles of the stadium centre spot of any regulated international football match played in England, Wales or Scotland, from four hours prior to the scheduled kick-off time, until six hours following the scheduled kick-off time, when England, Wales or Scotland are not playing during the European Championships 2028.