Hull City Fan Sentenced For Football Match Firework

A Hull City fan, caught with a firework during last season's away clash with promotion rivals Crystal Palace, was today sentenced for the “despicable” offence.

Corey Burnett, 21, of Campion Avenue, Hessle was ejected from Selhurst Park by police after a flare was spotted by stewards in the away section during the match.

“People who go to football matches such as you, and you have admitted having a firework, cause disruption, a lack of enjoyment of the game and most importantly could have caused real danger to public health,” District Judge Sue Green told Burnett at Croydon Magistrates' Court.

“It is despicable behaviour.”

The police and Crown Prosecution Service insist Burnett was in possession of an unlit flare, but the defendant says it was a smoke bomb.

Burnett pleaded guilty to possessing a firework/flare at a designated sporting event on March 5.

Prosecutor Mr Sylvester Folorunso told the court: “A yellow flare was lit in very close proximity to the defendant and stewards and police removed him from the stadium.

“He had an unlit flare in his possession and there was another individual involved who was dealt with by the police.”

The court heard Burnett had spent £200 in travel costs on an aborted Newton hearing last month which was to determine whether he had a flare or smoke bomb.

However, Mrs Green anounced: “It makes no difference to me whether it was a flare or a smoke bomb.

“That was a very expensive and stupid thing for you to have done, I hope you have learned your lesson.

“You are fortunate that you have not been made subject to an application for a football banning order.”

He was conditionally discharged for three years and ordered to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge.