TWO Chelsea fans who pummeled a Portsmouth fan in an “appalling” attack on FA Cup final day have been banned for six years.
Lee Gallon, 31, and Dean Whitfield, 26, punched and kicked their victim on a Metropolitan Line train after the match, in May, leaving him with a torn ear and cuts and bruising to his face.
The pair were travelling from Wembley Park to Harrow-on-the-Hill on their way home and got into an argument with the 38-year-old, which quickly escalated.
Detective Constable Denis Mahoney, the investigating officer, said: “This was a very violent attack on man who had gone out to enjoy the FA Cup Final and who had the misfortune of running into this pair.
“The level of violence used was appalling, leaving the victim with serious facial injuries.”
Gallon, of Cherry Hill, in South Oxhey, and Whitfield, 26, of Falkirk Gardens, in South Oxhey, were handed six-month jail sentences suspended for a year and given 100 hours community service at Harrow Crown Court, on February 1.
They were also banned from matches for six years for grievous bodily harm.
DC Mahoney said: “The majority of football supporters are well-behaved and support their team in good spirits.
“However, the behaviour of individuals such as Gallon and Whitfield only serves to ruin a good day of sport and brings the game into disrepute.”
Howard Collins, chief operating officer at London Underground, said: “This attack was appalling and we are pleased that the people responsible have been brought to justice.”
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