A FOOTBALL hooligan has been put behind bars for his part in violence that erupted at a Newcastle United away game in 2019.

Thomas Young, 53, of Newbiggin, was sent to prison for two years and banned from football for six years after admitting his part in a disorder incident that has also seen ten other Newcastle fans jailed.

Newcastle played Burnley in a Premier League clash at Turf Moor on December 14, 2019 – but it was marred by serious disorder at a pub close to the ground.

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At 4.25pm, around half an hour before the game was due to end, fighting broke out between rival fans inside the Turf Hotel on Yorkshire Street, Burnley.

The incident saw bar furniture, stools, glasses and a pool cue used as weapons, with those involved making off from the scene.

Lancashire Police launched an investigation following the disorder, supported by Northumbria Police’s dedicated football intelligence unit, and in September 2021 nine men were jailed at Preston Crown Court for their part in the disorder.

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However, on Friday (January 7), the eleventh offender – Young, was jailed for 24 months and handed a six-year football banning order.

Detective Inspector Gill Beecroft, of Northumbria Police, said: “Football fans in the North East are among the most passionate and knowledgeable in the entire country.

“While the overwhelming majority of fans who travelled to Burnley that weekend behaved impeccably, sadly the actions of a small few were totally unacceptable.

“Our dedicated football intelligence unit has worked closely with Lancashire Constabulary ever since to ensure those responsible were brought to justice. This week, a tenth offender was handed a custodial sentence.

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“I hope this outcome acts as a lesson to any supporter who intends to cause trouble on match days."

PC Dan Fish, of Lancashire Police, added: “Families and true supporters want to follow their teams without the fear of trouble and violence.

“The behaviour of those involved was disgraceful, storming a well-known pub for Burnley fans and leaving a trail of destruction.

“A number of men were sentenced in September, with Young the final person to appear at court.

“There is no place for this type of behaviour. True football fans are proud and passionate, who go to matches to support their club through thick and thin.

“It is clear those involved that day were intent on violence, and we welcome the decision from court.”

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