Fans have jokingly suggested that an Everton supporter appears content with a three-year ban from football following a disappointing end to the summer transfer window.
Michael Flanagan, 57, received the ban on Tuesday after pushing a fellow Everton supporter over several rows of seats at Hill Dickinson Stadium in December of the previous year. Flanagan, from Walton, pleaded guilty to Section 39 assault at Sefton Magistrates Court. He was ordered to perform 140 hours of unpaid community work and pay £750 in compensation to his victim, who sustained minor injuries. He also incurred £400 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Merseyside Police announced the Football Banning Order on social media, including a mugshot of Flanagan with what appeared to be a wry smile. The post gained significant traction online, with Everton fans humorously interpreting Flanagan's expression as one of happiness, particularly in light of the club's transfer window difficulties.
Everton experienced a dismal deadline day, marked by the departures of Iliman Ndiaye and Beto to Manchester City and Fiorentina, respectively, for a combined £80 million. The club's attempts to sign Folarin Balogun and Joshua Zirkzee were unsuccessful, leaving them with only one recognized striker, Thierno Barry, and a shortage of full-backs heading into the season.
The police post quickly went viral, accumulating over 750,000 views on X. This situation provided a source of dark humor for some disillusioned Everton supporters, with comments ranging from "Looks absolutely made up he's not having to go for 3 years" to "He looks buzzing!"
While many fans used the incident for comedic relief, others expressed disappointment and anger towards Flanagan's actions. The court was informed that the incident occurred during an argument between Flanagan and another fan at the Upper South Stand during the Everton vs. Arsenal match on December 20.
Superintendent Chris Barnes, the Match Commander, described the event as "a dangerous and shocking incident" that nearly resulted in more severe injuries for the victim and spectators below. He emphasized that Flanagan is now facing consequences for his behavior, with the ban preventing him from attending any football matches in the country for three years. Barnes stated that the sentencing aims to send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.