Eight men have been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court for their roles in a pre-arranged violent disorder connected to a Tranmere Rovers match in April 2024. The brawl, described as "shocking and violent," took place before and after the game against Walsall at Prenton Park on April 6, 2024, and spilled onto nearby streets in front of families and children.
Pre-arranged violence via WhatsApp
The violence was arranged via WhatsApp by Tranmere supporter Lewis Keate and Walsall supporter Shaun Robins. They initially planned for the fight to take place at Rock Ferry railway station, but the arrival of a delayed train meant the confrontation was avoided. An arranged pre-match fight at the stadium then took place. After the match finished, another brawl broke out on Borough Road outside the stadium and spilled out onto Prenton Road East.
Officers from Merseyside Police and West Midlands Police had to intervene to bring the disorder under control. An investigation led by Merseyside Police, with assistance from West Midlands Police, identified those involved.
Sentences handed down
As a result, eight men were charged with violent disorder, made up of three Tranmere supporters and five Walsall supporters. On Thursday, November 12, the following sentences were imposed at Liverpool Crown Court:
- Lewie Keate, 20, of Borough Road East, Seacombe: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 200 hours unpaid work, and a five-year football banning order.
- Shaun Robins, 21, of Stafford Road, Darlaston: 10 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 150 hours unpaid work, and a three-year football banning order.
- Cameron Morrison, 20, of Inman Road, Upton: 18-month community order, 150 hours unpaid work, and a three-year football banning order.
- Brandon Smith, 19, of Clifton Road, Tranmere: 18-month community order and a three-year football banning order.
- Connor Cox, 27, of Darwin Road, Walsall: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 100 hours unpaid work, and a three-year football banning order.
- Liam Hanley, 35, of St David's Place, Bloxwich: 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 140 hours unpaid work, and a three-year football banning order.
- Ashley Smith, 35, of Shireview Road, Walsall: 18-month imprisonment suspended for 24 months, 60 hours unpaid work, and a five-year football banning order.
- Benjamin Jones, 20, of Monmouth Road, Bloxwich: 18-month community order and a three-year football banning order.
Police response and impact
Chief Inspector Stephen Cooke said the brawl took place in front of terrified families and children as others cheered them on. He said: "This shocking and violent behaviour would have been witnessed by many people attending the football match, including families and children, and would have been extremely frightening for those present, who feared for their own safety."
Cooke added: "This was a premeditated fight between supporters of both clubs, incited by Keate and Robins. Although the disorder involved around a dozen people, there were many others shouting and encouraging those involved, creating a situation that could easily have escalated into a much larger incident." He noted that two of those involved were only 17 years old at the time of the offence.
Cooke said: "Thankfully, all eight men have admitted the part they played in this disorder and have now been banned from attending football matches. Everyone should be able to attend a football match safely and without fear of violence or intimidation."
A total of 12 males have been charged in connection with this incident, three of whom have since been dealt with by the courts. In August last year, a 17-year-old boy from Birkenhead received a three-year football banning order at Liverpool Youth Court after admitting violent disorder. In September 2024, a man from Walsall received a three-year football banning order at Birmingham Magistrates' Court for a public order offence, and a 16-year-old boy from Wirral received an out-of-court disposal for a public order offence.
