A DRUNKEN yob who elbowed a steward in the face at a football stadium has had his football ban by the court ended despite almost a year remaining.

Thomas Carter was involved in threatening scenes at the Amex Stadium during Brighton and Hove Albion’s game against Aston Villa in January 2020.

Carter, of Upland Gardens, Worthing, was given a football banning order for three years in February 2020, and was told to complete 40 hours of unpaid community service.

However, he appeared in court on May 13 and successfully applied to Brighton magistrates court to terminate the order early after submitting a supporting letter from a police officer.

The court had previously heard that in the first half of the Aston Villa game in 2020, tempers flared between supporters in the South Stand, where groups were seen confronting each other.

Among those shouting “come on then” was Carter.

Carter, now aged 30, was warned by a steward to calm down and move away from the divide.

Carter said: “F*** off, why are you picking on me?”

The incident unfolded in front of families and children at the game, the court had been told.

The court heard that Carter refused to calm down and was asked to leave, shouting: “What are you doing about them b*******.”

He resisted attempts to remove him from the stadium and at one stage one of his flailing arms clattered into the female steward's face.

She was left dazed with blurred vision, and Carter was ejected and later arrested outside the stadium.

He admitted he had too much to drink and had lost his temper.

At the hearing in 2020, Carter admitted his behaviour was reckless and had caused the injury to the steward, who suffered reddening and bruising while performing her public duty.

On May 13, Carter appeared in court before District Judge Amanda Kelly after submitting an application to have the ban terminated.

In an email submitted to the court, the police said they supported Carter’s application and said that they would not have concerns, if the court did choose to remove the current ban.

One of the police officers who has been working with Mr Carter during the course of his ban said: “In the time Mr Carter has had his ban, he has not come to notice at any football matches.

“He has complied with all his conditions on his ban and throughout the process, if he had any questions, especially around this process he is currently applying for, he kept in contact.

“It is my opinion that Mr Carter has learned from this.”  

After reading the submission and terminating the football banning order, made under section 14H of the Football Spectators Act 1989, District Judge Kelly told Carter: “Great. Well done.”

She added that “if a police officer says you have learned your lesson” then Carter had “earned the right” to attend matches again.

However, she issued a warning, saying: “If you did do anything to stop families enjoying the football then you would be looking at another ban.”

When Carter replied, “Thank you,” the judge added: “Enjoy the football … and enjoy yourself.”

It was not stated whether Carter will need to request permission from Brighton and Hove Albion to attend matches again.

Brighton and Hove Albion have released a statement clarifying whether he will be allowed back at matches.