A Salford man has been sentenced for his part in a mass brawl that erupted between supporters of Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic.
36-year-old Paul Regan from Worsley was given a suspended jail sentence, community order and five-year Football Banning Order for his part in the ‘pre-planned’ violence.
Violence erupted in Bolton after the football match, which saw Wigan thrash the home team by four goals to nil, on Saturday 19 August 2023.
Following an investigation and media appeals, officers carried out several early-morning warrants in November 2023.
Regan was one of 13 men from across Greater Manchester and Lancashire sentenced at Bolton Crown Court this month, with four sentenced to time behind bars.
Two teenagers aged 17 were previously dealt with and banned from football for three years each.
Detective Inspector Tony Lunt, of Bolton CID, said: “This was pre-planned disorder and innocent people were caught up in the violence.
“The violence that followed this match has no place in football and overshadowed a well-planned, well-policed operation after a lot of work between GMP and the two clubs.
“There were innocent people caught up in the violence and that simply will not be tolerated – we want to ensure people can attend matches safely.
“These people will now have to face the consequences of their actions which will prevent any further repeat offences. This action will have a hugely positive impact in improved behaviour and reducing instances of disorder.
“We have brought these successful prosecutions following a meticulous and thorough investigation in conjunction with the two clubs, with others to be prosecuted in due course.”
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