A Norwich City supporter faces being banned from football matches for throwing a flare onto the pitch during a dramatic match against Millwall.
Archie Gardiner, 19, could be made subject of a football banning order after lighting a yellow smoke flare as the Canaries came from behind to secure a 3-2 win on March 4
Fire marshals at Millwall’s ground The Den had to deal with the flare on the pitch following Gabriel Sara’s spectacular 65th minute goal, scored at the same end where 3,000 Canaries supporters were celebrating.
READ MORE: Norwich City ban fans after smoke bomb at Millwall
Gardiner, of Thieves Lane in Attleborough, previously pleaded guilty at Bromley Magistrates’ Court to having a flare at a sporting event and possession of a quantity of cocaine found during a search after his arrest.
Prosecutor Rima Bejam told Norwich Magistrates’ Court at a hearing on Thursday they were seeking to impose a football banning order.
It could see him banned from attending any match, having to report to police and surrender his passport to stop him attending specific overseas matches.
Gardiner, who was unrepresented, said he had been a Carrow Road season ticket holder and regularly attended games with his father but has not done so since his arrest.
He indicated he intends to contest the banning order saying travel restrictions could affect his job at an insurance company.
READ MORE: Millwall supporter hit eight-year-old Canaries fan with coin during Carrow Road clash
District Judge David Wilson said the banning order application and his sentencing would be heard at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court on October 19.
Gardiner was one of three supporters prevented from attending home and away fixtures by Norwich City following the incident that also saw the FA launch an investigation.
It followed violent scenes in the reverse fixture at Carrow Road in August 2022 when Millwall fans ripped out seats and threw objects at home supporters including a coin that struck an eight-year-old girl.
