8:40pm Wednesday 8th September 2010
By Sam Chadderton
ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman has backed two fans accused of being involved in scenes of disorder at the cup tie with Newcastle.
Manager Coleman and chief executive Rob Heys were at Hyndburn Magistrates’ Court to support Daniel Cruickshank, 18, of Church Street, Church, and Jason Graham, 36, of Avenue Parade, Accrington.
The pair were brought to court over disorder at the Carling Cup fixture at the Crown ground on Wednesday, August 25.
Cruickshank was fined £100 by magistrates after pleading guilty to throwing a till roll on to the pitch, but they stopped short of imposing a football banning order on the teenager.
Graham pleaded not guilty to charges of being drunk and disorderly, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer. It is alleged he intervened during Cuickshank’s arrest.
He will face trial at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court in November.
Both men are key members of the ‘Stanley Ultras’ supporters group and travel home and away to matches.
Speaking outside the court, Mr Coleman said: “I think the level of support these two lads have shown to myself and my team over the years meant I wanted to show my support.
“In Danny’s case, common sense has prevailed. If available I will be supporting Jason at his trial.
“When you only get 1,200 through the gates, to lose these two lads in particular - who bring others to support the team - would be a big blow to the club.”
The court heard Cruickshank had no previous convictions or reprimands and that he had been one of many throwing till rolls on to the pitch.
He and a friend were searched on entry and allowed in with the till rolls.
Speaking after the case, Mr Cruickshank said he was ‘happy’ with the verdict and that he would be supporting Mr Graham during his trial.
Newcastle fans Lloyd Miller, 19, from Gateshead and David Collins, 18, of North Shields were each fined £100, plus £100 costs for going on to the pitch. They both escaped banning orders for an ‘impulsive act of celebration’.
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