A SOCCER hooligan involved in a fracas during a Huddersfield Town match has been banned from all football games for four years.
Jamie Ward-Lomax, of Hall Cross Road, Lowerhouses, was arrested at the Galpharm Stadium on March 10 after a fight broke out during the derby between Town and Bradford City.
Ward-Lomax, 25, shaven- headed and with a tattooed arm, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct when he appeared before Huddersfield magistrates yesterday.
The court heard that the disturbance began minutes before the end of the match, as fans began to leave.
Police said Lomax was seen shouting at Bradford fans and trying to entice them into a fight as he ran towards the exit of the Lawrence Batley Stand.
Lomax yelled: `Come on, let's have you!', while trying to push younger Huddersfield fans out of the door.
Jonathan Slavinski said in mitigation that the atmosphere of the derby had been fuelled with animosity between both sets of fans.
He said the problem arose when his client became frustrated when a steward would not let him and others leave after the match.
He added: "He was shouting and swearing, which was quite clearly inappropriate, but he wasn't pushing anybody or enticing them to fight.
"He's a young man who on that occasion accepts he got upset. The effect of this on him has been quite dramatic.
"He accepts his days at football matches are over.
"He's got a family to look after. He is the sole breadwinner and he knows he should grow up and accept responsibility."
Ward-Lomax's four-year ban means he will be unable to go to any regulated football matches in England and Wales.
He will also be barred from going to certain games outside the country and have to surrender his passport on such occasions.
Ward-Lomax was also ordered to pay a £150 fine and £43 costs.
* A second man involved in the same disturbance is due to appear in court.
Andrew Power, of Highfield, Holmfirth, will appear before Huddersfield magistrates on June 5 charged with a public order offence.
