A RECKLESS Warrington man who lit two flares at a football stadium and threw one onto a pitch has received a five-year match ban.

Adam Chisnell, of Canada Close, Fearnhead, was caught on CCTV holding a flare in the away supporters section at the Amex Community Stadium in Brighton.

This was during a match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United on May 5 this year.

At full time, the 38-year-old was then seen approaching the pitch where he lit a second device and threw it onto the playing area.

Chinsell was arrested by police and charged with possessing a firework or flare at a sporting event and throwing a missile onto the football playing area.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on September 7, he was found guilty of the offences.

Magistrates handed Chisnell a £184.50 fine, costs of £80, and a £34 surcharge.

He was also issued with a three-year Football Banning Order – restricting his access to attending matches or being in the location of matches,

Chisnell then appealed against his conviction but the appeal was rejected by Lewes Crown Court last Monday, October 24.

Chisnell was told that as a result of his appeal, the football banning order was to extend by a further two years and a further £60 fine was imposed.

Sussex Police’s dedicated football officer PC Darren Balkham said: “I welcome the Crown Courts dismissal of this appeal.

“This was not just a moment of madness. There were two incidents of not only having the devices in the stadium, but igniting them.

“It meant people nearby had to move away because of the smoke, while and then the second one was thrown onto the playing area.

“For Chisnell, this has proved a costly venture, and he now has no prospect of watching football until 2027.

“We support the Premier Leagues approach in dealing with these incidents and will prosecute where the evidence supports this action.”