POLICE have released a photograph of a Burnley fan who has been banned from attending football matches for the next four years following complaints about his behaviour during away games.

As reported in the Lancashire Telegraph earlier this month Thomas Pritchard was summonsed to court Burnley Magistrates Court over the allegations relating to Burnley’s Europa League fixtures in Aberdeen, Istanbul and Athens.

Pritchard, 27, of Cog Lane, Burnley, was subsequently handed the banning order, preventing him from attending any regulated football match in England and Wales and travelling to international matches over the next four years.

Chief Inspector Abid Khan said: “The majority of people who attend football matches are law abiding fans who simply want to watch a good match and enjoy the experience.

“However there are still a small minority of people intent on causing trouble and it is our intention to do everything within our power to stop them.

“We are pleased to have secured this banning order and hope that this firm action sends a clear message to others who attend football matches that violence, anti-social behaviour and disorder of any kind will not be tolerated. It’s thanks to people taking a stand and identifying instances of disorder, that we are able to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.

“We have an excellent relationship with Burnley Football Club and we will continue to work closely with them in taking a hard line on this type of inappropriate behaviour.”

A Burnley FC spokesperson said: “Burnley Football Club fully supports the Police in their efforts to ensure that the anti-social and violent element of a minority of supporters are subject to the full weight of the law.

“In this instance, the club has cooperated with the police in providing evidence to assist the prosecution.

“We will continue to strive to remove troublemakers from Turf Moor and provide a safe, more-pleasant match day experience for all law-abiding supporters.”

Anyone with information or concerns about anti-social behaviour at a football match can speak to police officers or stewards at the ground, or ring 101.