TWO more Chester men who were involved in the disorder at a football match in Chester have been sentenced.

Joseph McCormack and Niall Monahan both appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Monday, December 4 in relation to the disorder at the Chester FC versus Brackley Town play-off semi-final on Sunday, May 7.

McCormack, of West Street, previously pleaded guilty to assaulting an officer and invading the pitch.

The 28-year-old was handed a five-year football banning order, ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge and £120 costs. He must also pay £200 compensation, complete 15 rehabilitation activity days and wear an alcohol tag which prevents him from drinking alcohol for 120 days.

Monahan, of Saddlery Way, previously admitted section 4 public order offences and pitch invasion.

The 30-year-old was given a three-year football banning order, ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge and £120 costs. He must also complete 40 hours unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity days.

The pair were part of a group of Chester fans who caused disorder after Chester FC lost the play-off match to Brackley Town 1-0.

During the incident a number of fans invaded the pitch and were verbally abusive towards police officers and opposition fans; missiles were also thrown towards Brackley Town players and fans.

Following the sentencing, Police Constable James Wright, of Chester Proactive Team, said: “The behaviour of both McCormack and Monahan was appalling and it’s clear that they were both intent on causing trouble.

“McCormack not only invaded the pitch, but he also threw an object which struck an officer, which thankfully only caused minor injuries.

“Monahan also invaded the pitch, before verbally abusing the Brackley Town fans as part of his attempts to cause further disorder.

“Thankfully, both men have now been held accountable and will face the consequences of their actions.

“Chester FC face Brackley Town FC again this evening (Tuesday, December 5) at that Leap76 stadium and hopefully these prosecutions reassure away supporters that violence will not be tolerated at Chester FC.

“However, this is not the end, there are many more prosecutions to come in relation to this disorder and I hope that these results act as a warning to anyone who is planning on causing trouble at any future matches.”

Six more men are to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court in February 2024 for affray in connection with the match.

The football banning orders handed to the pair are civil orders which prevent the men from attending any professional match in England – and abroad – and can also restrict their travel movements at the time of any Chester FC matches.

Chester FC are offering complimentary food and drink to Brackley fans as a gesture of goodwill for Tuesday's National League North match.

It will be the first home game for Chester FC in a while, following six consecutive away games and the postponement of Saturday's planned home game against Gloucester City due to freezing temperatures over the weekend.

Both football clubs have issued a statement ahead of Tuesday's game, which has a 7.45pm kick-off.

The statement reads: "Chester FC and Brackley Town would like to share the following joint statement ahead of tomorrow’s game at the Leap76 Stadium.

"Since our two clubs first met in 2012, we have enjoyed an excellent relationship, underpinned by competitiveness on the pitch and a warm, hospitable welcome for players, officials and supporters, both at Brackley and Chester.

"As proud community football clubs, we have shared values, and have been united in our condemnation of the disorder that occurred at the end of the play-off match in May.

"On behalf of everyone connected to Chester Football Club, the Board of Directors extends the hand of friendship to Brackley Town supporters, and look forward to what will hopefully be an entertaining game of football.

"We will provide all Brackley fans with complimentary food and drink upon entry to the stadium and we hope this enables us to continue the good relations between our clubs.

"The two Captains on the night will meet prior to kick off for a fair play handshake in a show of solidarity between the two clubs."