Whilst the vast majority of those who attended the Arsenal Football Club’s champions winning parade at the weekend had a day to remember, it ended less well for a minority of people with the police making a number of arrests for offences ranging from assault and public order to possession of knives.
Many of the persons arrested would have been taken to local police stations, interviewed, and either bailed pending police inquiries, or charged with offences.
If you have been affected by any of the arrests or were the subject of an arrest and require specialist advice from a firm of solicitors local to the area, then please contact Lewis Nedas Law, who have had a presence at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court for over thirty years and can assist anyone on either a privately paid or legally aided basis.
It was notable that in relation to the parade itself, police were given additional stop and search powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.
The exercise of these powers is limited to events where a significant number of people are gathered, whether it be for a parade or a demonstration. On occasions when the police are armed with greater powers, then further arrests are likely to take place.
It will be interesting to note the approach taken by police during the World Cup, which is soon to be upon us, particularly as there will be extended licensing hours, which, by its very nature, may lead to public disorder and arrests for offences similar to those witnessed around the Arsenal stadium at the weekend.
In relation to policing at football stadiums in general, the police were recently given additional powers to arrest those trying to enter a stadium without a ticket. This follows on from the disorder that took place at Wembley Stadium following the national team’s participation in the European championships.
Anyone arrested for football-related offences may face not only criminal proceedings, but restrictions on their attendance at any game by the police seeking a banning order.
Contact our Expert Criminal Defence Lawyers
If you require advice on any football-related matter, whether that be in connection with a criminal investigation, an application concerning attendances at football matches generally, or the restriction of movement in connection with sporting fixtures, then please contact Lewis Nedas Law for specialist and focused advice.
We are able to provide advice 24/7 on our emergency office number 0207 387 2032, and please do not hesitate to contact any criminal solicitor on the team by completing our contact form.