Help us cut out flares and pyro at games
Oxford United can confirm that Luton fan Ewin Freeman was this week sentenced to over a year in prison for possession and the use of flares and pyro at last season's game against the U's at the Kassam Stadium.
Mr Freeman received a 12 month and 44 days custodial sentence on the 21st July. He also received a ban from all football for the next seven years.
Oxford United Safety Officer Neil Holdstock said:
"Nobody wants to see custodial sentences being issued but it once again shows the seriousness of using flares and pyro at football games and the tough new guidelines that the government and authorities have put in place to try and ensure that everyone coming to the game can do so in a safe environment.
"Fortunately the penny seems to have dropped with most of our own fans who have listened to the messages from the club and from fellow fans that we will not tolerate flares and smoke bombs, home or away.
“Prison and being banned from football for seven years sends a very strong message once again. These things can cause horrific burns and injuries and can scar for life, and we ask all Oxford fans to help us spread the word and make sure they don't appear at our matches."