In the wake of Manchester City’s Champions League victory in 2023, a fan named Leon Blackett found himself in trouble after leaping onto a police van in celebration, causing significant damage. The incident occurred in Manchester city center on June 10, as Blackett and other fans rejoiced in their team’s treble-securing win over Inter Milan. The joyous moment quickly turned sour as Blackett’s actions led to over £10,000 worth of damage to the police vehicle. As a result, Blackett was sentenced to three months in jail for his football-related disorder offense.
Aside from the damage caused during the celebratory moment, Blackett was also facing additional charges, including possession of a bladed article and a domestic-related communications offense. These offenses resulted in a separate sentence of three years and five months for Blackett, in addition to a seven-year football banning order. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) emphasized the seriousness of Blackett’s actions, highlighting the need to hold individuals accountable for unacceptable behavior, especially during moments of celebration.
The court proceedings revealed that the city center experienced a surge in fans following Manchester City’s triumph, with high-spirited celebrations taking a chaotic turn. Blackett and others were identified through CCTV and social media footage, leading to Blackett’s arrest on October 19, 2023. PC Matt Ford of GMP condemned Blackett’s actions as completely unacceptable, serving as a warning to those who engage in criminal behavior during football-related events. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences that may follow acts of vandalism and misconduct, even in moments of celebration
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