Airdrie fan banned from every UK football ground

Published on Friday 17 November 2006 01:52

A SUPPORTER of Airdrie United yesterday became the first person in Scotland to be banned from every UK football ground.

Izak Cowie, 38, is a member of the club's notorious "Section B" casuals. It is the first such order since legislation was introduced on 1 September allowing Scottish police forces to apply to have anyone convicted of a football- related offence banned from stadiums for up to ten years.

It is understood that Cowie, of Craigneuk, North Lanarkshire, was banned from matches until 2009 in relation to a number of alleged disorders over five years.

Chief Superintendent Kenny Scott, who has led operations to combat football hooliganism, said: "Strathclyde Police welcomes the granting of the first banning order under the civil procedures act. We hope the order sends a clear warning to those intending causing trouble that negative behaviour will not be tolerated."

The order against Cowie was granted during a two-minute hearing at Airdrie Sheriff Court yesterday.

The writ alleged that he invaded the pitch at Somerset Park in Ayr in May 2002 - a match between Ayr United and the former Airdrieonians, which had to be abandoned. The writ also said Cowie was captured on CCTV making "Nazi" salutes at a match between Airdrie United and Dundee at New Broomfield in February.

The right-wing Section B football casuals are widely regarded as one of the most violent gangs in Scotland.

Only last month Scottish Football bosses said they would be investigating after members of the group wore Ku Klux Klan outfits to taunt a black player at a match against Gretna.