Football enthusiast banned for three years after using sexually inappropriate language at Elland Road stadium bar
Dallas Woods, 31, was positioned at a bar within the concourse of the West Stand during a match between Leeds United and Hull City on April 1 of the previous year when he directed offensive remarks towards a female employee.
After supporting Hull City, Woods went back to his seat but later returned to the bar. He was identified by stewards and escorted out before being taken into custody by the police.
During his court appearance in Leeds on Thursday, January 9, Woods pleaded guilty to a charge of using threatening or abusive language that could lead to harassment, alarm, or distress.
Woods, residing on Windsor Drive in Goole, received a 12-month conditional discharge along with a three-year Football Banning Order, which prohibits him from attending any professional football matches in the UK.
Additionally, he was mandated to pay £85 in costs and a £26 victim surcharge.
Following the hearing, Chief Superintendent Jonathan Arrowsuch of West Yorkshire Police, who served as the Match Commander for the event, remarked: “Individuals should be able to perform their duties without fearing that they will encounter such abusive and threatening language.
“Similarly, women and girls ought to be permitted to work at and attend football matches without the apprehension of being subjected to sexually inappropriate remarks.
“Obscene, abusive, or offensive language of this nature will not be tolerated, and those who behave in such a manner are unwelcome at our football venues.
“Woods subjected his victim to a distressing and unsettling experience and was promptly apprehended by officers at the venue after she managed to identify him.
“West Yorkshire Police will consistently address incidents like this with utmost seriousness.
“We collaborate closely with Leeds United and visiting teams to thoroughly investigate any offenses committed, and we will not hesitate to take strong action against those accountable, including applying for Football Banning Orders against them.
“Those who engage in such conduct have no place in the football stadiums of West Yorkshire or anywhere else in the nation.”
