Banned West Brom football yob kicked off Euro 2012 flight

A West Bromwich Albion fan was kicked off a flight after breaching a Football Banning Order given just last month after he was arrested abroad, police have revealed.

Daniel Nichols, aged 24, of Tipton, became the latest person in the region to be handed the football ban after he was arrested by Norwegian police during England's Euro 2012 warm-up game last month.

He was made subject to a three-year order at a special court sitting in London the following day. Despite this, he still tried to head off to the Euros.

But his efforts proved futile and he was removed from a flight before it departed Gatwick on June 10.

Sgt Donna Jones, of West Midlands Police's specialist Football Unit, said: "He was trying the make his way to the Euros. This result reflects our commitment to tackle people with a history of violence or disorder from attending the tournament.

"There is a national, co-ordinated ports operation in place so no matter where people try to leave the country from there will be police and officials looking out for potential troublemakers."

Last week, the Football Unit issued a warning that anyone involved in football-related disorder including incidents during pub screenings risks being handed a Football Banning Order in the courts.

They make UK football grounds no-go zones to offenders and also prevent them from travelling overseas to football tournaments.

West Midlands Police have revealed there have been no related arrests locally and no incidents of serious disorder since the tournament kicked off in Poland and Ukraine last Friday.

Sgt Jones urged fans to again cheer on the national side in a safe, lawful manner during tonight's key match with Sweden.

She said: "We haven't received any reports of serious trouble in the region or clashes between rival fans; it's been no different to any 'normal' event in our town and city centres."

By David Lumb