An Everton supporter has been banned from attending football matches for three years after assaulting a fellow fan at Goodison Park last season. Michael Flanagan, 57, received the Football Banning Order this week following his guilty plea to a Section 39 assault charge. Daily Mail Sport first reported the story.
What happened during the Everton vs Arsenal match?
The incident occurred during Everton's Premier League fixture against Arsenal on December 20. According to Merseyside Police, Flanagan pushed another supporter over more than a dozen rows of seats. Superintendent Chris Barnes described the event as dangerous and shocking. "This was a dangerous and shocking incident which escalated quickly and resulted in the victim being pushed backwards over rows of fans below him," Barnes stated. The police reported the banning order on social media platform X on Tuesday, where the post gained significant attention.
What were the legal consequences for the fan?
Flanagan, who is from Walton, appeared at Sefton Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty. Beyond the three-year football ban, the court ordered him to complete 140 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £750 in compensation to the victim, £400 in costs, and a £114 victim surcharge. The banning order prevents him from attending any regulated football match in England and Wales for the full three-year period. Superintendent Barnes emphasized the message this sentencing sends. "I hope this sentencing sends a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated, and acts as a warning to others that we will put you before the courts to be prosecuted," he said.
How did fans react to the news?
The news of Flanagan's ban went viral on social media, coinciding with the closure of a disappointing summer transfer window for Everton. A post about the ban on X received over 750,000 views. Some supporters joked that the banned fan appeared "happy" or "buzzing" to be excluded from watching the team after their transfer business concluded. The club's deadline day saw them sell Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for £65 million, while attempts to sign strikers Folarin Balogun and Joshua Zirkzee collapsed late in the window. This leaves manager Sean Dyche with only one recognised senior striker, Thierno Barry, and ongoing shortages in the full-back positions.
What is Everton's current situation?
Everton begin the season sitting 7th in the Premier League with 4 points from their opening two matches. Their record shows one win and one draw, with a goal difference of +2 after scoring 3 goals and conceding just 1. They currently trail early leaders Manchester City by 2 points in the title race. The team's immediate focus turns to their next fixture, a home match against Manchester United on September 6. United are 10th in the table, making it an important early-season clash at Goodison Park. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page and view the latest standings.
The club's squad depth will be tested in the coming weeks, and supporters can monitor available players on our squad list. Everton face Manchester United at home on 2026-09-06.
