A TEENAGER has been banned from attending all Carlisle United matches for the next three years after setting off a firecracker in a Brunton Park stand during one of their games.

The 15-year-old boy was attending his first match at the stadium as United took on Leyton Orient in a League One encounter on Saturday, 14th October.

Prosecutor George Shelley told Carlisle Youth Court: “During the first half (the teen) set off a firecracker within the Warwick Road end stand, lighting it and throwing it on the floor amongst other supporters before running off.

“The firecracker subsequently went off, making a bright flash and loud explosive sound. This caused distress to supporters in the immediate area and also around the ground.”

A police constable had provided evidence to that effect. When interviewed about the incident two weeks later, the youth made full admissions about his wrongdoing.

In court today (fri), he admitted two charges: possessing a firework at a sporting event; and a public order offence.

On behalf of the police, Mr Shelley formally asked for the youth to be given a football banning order (FBO).

“There is nothing which would make it unjust to make this order,” suggested the prosecutor. “He has set off a firecracker in a football ground which caused alarm to otter supporters, including children, and caused a risk to others, potentially.”

A solicitor representing the boy — said to have a number of mental health issues — told the court a FBO was not opposed.

District judge John Temperley said to the youth: “When you were interviewed by police about this matter, setting off a firecracker, you said you had done it for a laugh. Six months down the line, do you still think it is funny?”

“No,” replied the teenager.

“It clearly wasn’t, was it?” said the judge. “For a start, you could have injured someone else. You could have injured yourself. Even without injuries — which there weren’t — it does appear you have caused alarm to people.

“There were people in the vicinity who were frightened by what you did. That is just not funny, is it? You are 15 years old, growing up: you have got to stop behaviour like that.”

The FBO was made and will last for three years. Under strict conditions, the teen will be banned from attending all regulated football matches — including Carlisle United’s — and must not enter a designated area around stadiums either five hours before matches or five hours afterwards. There are additional restrictions.

The boy was also made subject to a referral order for four months. During this time he will undergo work with youth justice team members in a bid to keep him out of trouble.