Cardiff City supporter Gareth Whitehouse, 41, has been banned from attending football matches for three years after pleading guilty to a public order offence linked to disorder before a Reading FC fixture in April 2026.
Incident Details
Whitehouse, from Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, appeared before Slough Magistrates' Court on June 16, 2026, charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. The court heard that at around 1.45pm on April 18, 2026, disorder broke out between groups of supporters in Greyfriars Street, Reading, ahead of the match between Reading FC and Cardiff City. Whitehouse was arrested and charged on the same day.
Court Outcome
Whitehouse pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay a total of £253 in fines and costs. In addition, he was handed a three-year Football Banning Order, which prevents him from attending any regulated football matches in the UK for the duration of the order.
Purpose of Banning Orders
Football Banning Orders are designed to prevent future disorder and can include restrictions preventing supporters from attending matches. Individuals subject to the orders may also be required to surrender their passports during major international tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup, to prevent them from travelling overseas and becoming involved in disorder.
Police Statement
PC Steve Mountain, Reading FC's dedicated football officer, said: "Disorder such as this has no place in football or in our communities. The vast majority of supporters attend matches to enjoy the game safely, and it is the actions of a small minority that risk spoiling that experience for others. With major international tournaments such as the World Cup attracting global attention, Football Banning Orders play a crucial role in preventing known offenders from travelling overseas and becoming involved in disorder. This result demonstrates our commitment to working with clubs and partners to identify those involved in anti-social and criminal behaviour and ensure they are held accountable."
