Football fans banned after violence ahead of Wrexham vs Cardiff City.

Six football supporters have been handed four-year football banning orders after admitting their involvement in violent disorder before the Carabao Cup meeting between Wrexham and Cardiff City last year.

The six men appeared at Mold Crown Court earlier this week after being charged with violent disorder following clashes in Wrexham ahead of the Welsh sides’ cup fixture on October 28, 2025. All six pleaded guilty to their involvement and were subsequently given suspended prison sentences, alongside restrictions preventing them from attending football matches.

The men have also been prohibited from entering any town or city where Wrexham AFC or the Wales national team are playing during the period of their banning orders.

The incident happened before the match at the Stōk Cae Ras, also known as the Racecourse Ground, when police said the group approached the Ironworks pub on Town Hill in Wrexham.

Violent disorder broke out before the game at the Stōk Cae Ras – Racecourse Ground – in the Carabao Cup fixture against Cardiff City on October 28 last year(Image: PA)

According to North Wales Police, the men began behaving aggressively after arriving at the pub. Tensions then escalated when they became involved in a confrontation with a group of Cardiff City supporters.

The disorder turned violent, with fighting breaking out between the two groups. During the incident, a bottle thrown by one of the men struck a security guard who was positioned at the entrance of the pub.

Police subsequently arrested the six men and charged them with violent disorder.

The defendants were identified as Harley Bagnall, 20, and Alfie Hughes, 19, both from Deva Way in Wrexham; Charlie Jones, 20, who was listed as having no fixed address; Kian Roberts, 24, from Wavell Avenue in Wrexham; Cian Wain, 22, from Heol Y Goron in Leeswood; and Dion Williams, 23, from New Foundry Court in Johnstown.

After entering guilty pleas, the six men were sentenced by a judge at Mold Crown Court.

Bagnall received a 15-month sentence in a young offenders institution, suspended for two years. Hughes was given a 12-month sentence in a young offenders institution, also suspended for two years.

Jones was sentenced to 15 months in a young offenders institution, suspended for two years, while Roberts received an 11-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Wain was handed an 11-month imprisonment sentence, suspended for two years, and Williams received a 12-month sentence suspended for two years.

In addition to the suspended custodial sentences, all six men were given football banning orders lasting four years.

The banning orders prevent them from attending football matches anywhere in the United Kingdom during that period. They are also prohibited from going near regulated football stadiums on matchdays.

The restrictions are intended to prevent the men from becoming involved in further football-related disorder and to protect supporters attending matches.

The incident has prompted a strong response from North Wales Police, with Superintendent Mark Williams stressing that violence has no place within the game.

He said football should provide a safe and enjoyable environment for supporters and warned that police would continue taking action against individuals whose behaviour puts others at risk.

“Violence and disorder have no place in football,” Superintendent Williams said, adding that such behaviour would not be tolerated because it can threaten the safety of others and damage the experience for genuine supporters.

He also highlighted the significance of the four-year football banning orders imposed by the court.

According to Williams, the orders demonstrate that individuals involved in football-related disorder can face serious consequences for their actions.

North Wales Police said it would continue working alongside partner organisations to identify people involved in football-related violence and anti-social behaviour.

The force also confirmed that it remains committed to working with the United Kingdom Football Policing Unit and other relevant partners in an effort to prevent disorder surrounding football matches.

The Wrexham and Cardiff fixture was a high-profile Welsh football occasion, with emotions already expected to run high because of the rivalry between the two clubs.

However, police have made clear that passionate support does not justify violence or behaviour that threatens the safety of supporters, staff or members of the public.

The six defendants will now be unable to attend football matches for four years as a result of the court orders.

The case serves as another warning to football supporters that violent behaviour before, during or after matches can lead to significant legal consequences.

North Wales Police has reiterated its determination to tackle football-related disorder and ensure supporters can attend matches without fear of violence or intimidation.

For the six men involved, the suspended sentences mean they have avoided immediate imprisonment, but they remain subject to strict conditions and a lengthy football banning order.

The case demonstrates how authorities and the courts continue to take a firm approach towards violence connected with football, particularly where incidents put members of the public and security staff at risk.