Martin Ford threw the bottle into the Everton supporters
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A general view of Goodison Park
A general view of Goodison Park(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
A little girl was struck in the face with a cider bottle thrown by an away fan at an Everton match. South Sefton Magistrates' Court heard that at the Everton v Leicester City game at Goodison Park on Saturday, February 1, a Leicester City fan threw a half-full plastic bottle of cider across the divide into Everton supporters.
The bottle then struck a six-year-old girl in the face and soaked her with cider. There were no visible injuries to the child, however she was left very frightened by the incident, police said.
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Martin Ford was later identified as the man who threw the bottle and appeared in court on Friday, March 28.
The 35-year-old, from Narborough in Leicestershire, was jailed for 12 weeks after he pleaded guilty to assault and throwing a missile at the spectators' area during the match, in which his team were drubbed 4-0 by Everton.
In addition, Ford was given a six-year football banning order and ordered to pay £400 compensation.
Match Commander Chief Inspector Derek Riley said: “Lucky the youngster didn’t sustain any injuries from Ford’s mindless act, who should have known better.
"Throwing missiles in any type of situation is wholly unacceptable and is a criminal act which will not be tolerated. Sadly, in this instance a young child was on the receiving end as result of his conduct, and he is now paying the price behind bars.
"He also has a six-year banning order which prevents him from attending any football match in the country.
"This type of reckless conduct has no place in football and supporters should be able to enjoy the match without having to deal with such behaviour.
“I hope this latest sentencing sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted.”
Dave Lewis, Everton's head of security and stadium safety officer, said "This prosecution sends an important and clear message: There is no place for reckless or violent behaviour at Everton matches or in our game.
"Throwing objects endangers players, fans, officials and in this case, it has caused harm to a young supporter who simply came to enjoy the game.
"Together with Merseyside Police we stand firmly behind efforts to ensure football remains a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all, and we hope this serves as a warning that such reckless and dangerous actions will be met with serious consequences." Merseyside Police said no mugshot photograph was available of Ford.
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