Man given three-year football banning order following Reading disorder

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been given a three-year Football Banning Order after being convicted of a public order offence linked to disorder involving football supporters in Reading.

Gareth Whitehouse, aged 41, of Lee, Cardiff, appeared at Slough Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 16 June, where he pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Whitehouse was sentenced to a three-year Football Banning Order and ordered to pay a total of £253 in fines and costs.

At around 1.45pm on 18 April 2026 in Greyfriars Street, Reading, Whitehouse was involved in disorder between Reading FC and Cardiff City supporters.

He was arrested and charged on the same day.

Football banning orders are designed to prevent further disorder and can place strict conditions on individuals, including preventing them from attending matches and requiring them to surrender passports during major international tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup, to stop those with a history of disorder travelling abroad.

Dedicated football officer for Reading FC, PC Steve Mountain, said: “Disorder such as this has no place in football or in our communities. The vast majority of supporters attend matches to enjoy the game safely, and it is the actions of a small minority that risk spoiling that experience for others.

“With major international tournaments such as the World Cup attracting global attention, Football Banning Orders play a crucial role in preventing known offenders from travelling overseas and becoming involved in disorder.

“This result demonstrates our commitment to working with clubs and partners to identify those involved in anti-social and criminal behaviour and ensure they are held accountable.”

AP