Source: Daily_Mail
Villa fan who threw coin at linesman is banned from all football matches
The Aston Villa[LNB]supporter who injured a linesman at a Premier League match against Portsmouth [LNB]last October has been banned from attending all matches for the next five years.[LNB]John Billington, 43, of Great Barr, the director of an engineering company, was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to a count of battery after throwing a 50 pence coin at assistant referee Phil Sharp.[LNB]The official was struck on the head by the coin near the end of the goalless draw between the two sides. [LNB]Villa spokesman Steve Tudgay said: 'We are pleased this has reached a satisfactory conclusion through the courts.[LNB]'We will now consider whether to extend the duration of the ban from Villa Park as part of our constant review of safety and crowd control procedures.'[LNB] Hurt: Portsmouth boss Harry redknapp helps stricken assistant referee Phil Sharp after he was hit on the head by a coin at Villa Park last year[LNB] Aston Villa: We won't challenge legality of Arshavin's transfer to Arsenal[LNB]ASTON VILLA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB]PORTSMOUTH FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB][LNB] [LNB]
