There has been a wave of sport-related crime stories in recent months
A general view from inside Anfield stadium
Anfield Stadium
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Ticket scams, 'sophisticated' ticket fraud, and football banning orders have dominated the latest wave of sport-related crime stories across Merseyside, with fans, fraudsters and pitch invaders all featuring in a turbulent period around major fixtures.
Below are some of the most recent cases of sport-related crime the ECHO has reported on.
Derby dreams shattered by ticket scams
Two separate families were left devastated after being caught up in suspected ticket scams ahead of the recent Merseyside derby.
Lee Gallagher, 54, and his nine-year-old son George had been eagerly anticipating their first derby together after purchasing what they believed were legitimate tickets online. But the £70 tickets never arrived, and the “VIP Seats” website they used has since disappeared. Like both Everton and Liverpool football clubs, the authorities continue to warn supporters that physical tickets are no longer issued and to avoid unofficial sellers.
In a separate case, Sean Pearce, 43, spent close to £900 trying to secure tickets as an 18th birthday present for his daughter Ava. After being let down by one reseller, he paid €1,000 for tickets via an international platform - only to find the links he received didn’t work. Although he was refunded, the pair missed out on the match entirely.
Lee Gallagher, 54, from Formby
Lee Gallagher, 54, from Formby(Image: Supplied)
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YouTuber avoids jail after pitch invasion stunt
Daniel Jarvis refused to apologise outside court
Daniel Jarvis refused to apologise outside court
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Serial prankster Daniel Jarvis, known online as "Jarvo", narrowly avoided prison after admitting to disrupting a rugby league international game at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The 37-year-old carried out a pre-planned stunt, infiltrating the pitch and joining players during the national anthem before being escorted away. The incident, which was broadcast live, raised concerns about stadium security.
Jarvis was handed a 10-month suspended prison sentence, along with unpaid work, rehabilitation requirements and a criminal behaviour order. Despite claims in court that he showed remorse, he later appeared dismissive when speaking after the hearing.
'Sophisticated' ticket fraud ring jailed
Joseph Johnson outside Liverpool Crown Court
Joseph Johnson outside Liverpool Crown Court(Image: Liverpool Echo)
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One of the most significant cases saw a major ticket touting operation dismantled, with several men jailed for running a large-scale fraud linked to Liverpool FC.
Joseph Johnson was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison after being identified as the mastermind behind a scheme that generated hundreds of thousands of pounds. Working with insiders and associates, the group acquired tickets, often intended for local fans, and resold them at heavily inflated prices through secondary platforms.
The operation grew into an international enterprise, using hundreds of memberships and sophisticated systems to harvest tickets. Four co-defendants also received prison sentences, while another was handed a suspended term.
The court heard that while the club itself did not suffer direct financial loss, genuine supporters were priced out, and the reputation of the sport was damaged.
Online abuse leads to football ban
Francis Fleming has been banned from football matches for three years
Francis Fleming has been banned from football matches for three years(Image: Merseyside Police)
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An Everton supporter was handed a three-year football banning order after posting racist, homophobic and transphobic content online.
Francis Fleming, 44, pleaded guilty to multiple offences under the Communications Act after his posts, many linked to football, were reported to police by Everton FC. Alongside the ban, he received a community order and financial penalties.
Police said the case sends a clear message that abusive behaviour, both in stadiums and online, will not be tolerated.
Fan handed extended ban after derby disorder
Mugshot of David Windsor aged 40
David Windsor
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A Liverpool supporter was banned from matches for five years after shouting abuse at Everton fans ahead of a derby clash.
David Windsor, 40, was already subject to a three-year banning order when he verbally abused supporters and a police officer near Goodison Park. He pleaded guilty to a public order offence and was fined, with stricter restrictions imposed.
Police said that breaches of banning orders and behaviour that could incite violence will be dealt with "robustly".