England supporter at Nottingham Forest fan zone attacks man, punches fence and squares up to steward

A man who attacked a supporter during a Euros fixture at a Nottingham fan zone has been banned from attending football matches. Declan Kemp, 27, of Belle Isle Road, Hucknall, punched a fellow England supporter to the head at the Forest fan zone at the City Ground on June 16, during the England v Serbia match.

Kemp was kicked out by stewards and continued to behave aggressively, shouting at his victim through a metal fence, which he also punched. Kemp was also captured squaring up to a steward on CCTV.

After eventually leaving, Kemp was arrested by patrolling officers. The victim told officers Kemp had been "trying to start fights" and had taken a dislike to his friends inside the fan zone.

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Although not seriously hurt, the supporter said the assault shocked him. Kemp appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, July 3, and received a three-year football banning order after pleading guilty to assault by beating.

The order bans him from going to any football ground in the country over the next three years, as well as from travelling abroad when international matches are taking place. Kemp was also instructed by the court to pay a £120 fine, £85 court costs, and a £48 victim surcharge.

Chief Inspector Clive Collings, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "We are all keen to see England progress at the European Championships this weekend, and it has been great to see supporters cheering on the Three Lions in pubs and venues across the county so far.

"It is really important to point out that the vast majority of fans have behaved well and supported the national team responsibly. However, there have been a small number of arrests in Nottinghamshire linked to England’s fixtures so far and we will have additional resources across the county on Saturday to provide reassurance and ensure people can watch the game against Switzerland safely.

"The message to supporters of the Three Lions heading into the quarter-final this weekend is clear: if you are involved in violence or disorder linked to the match, Nottinghamshire Police will seek a football banning order that will prevent you from attending all football matches, including those involving local teams like Nottingham Forest, Mansfield Town and Notts County.

"Whether England win or lose, don’t do something that you’ll regret for years to come."