Colchester: Two men banned from football matches for three years

Two men have been given three-year football banning orders after they were involved in disruption at a Colchester United away game in Bromley.

Now the two Colchester men face severe restrictions meaning they can’t attend Colchester United or England international matches at home or abroad.

Colchester United’s dedicated football officer PC Niki Howard worked with Metropolitan Police colleagues, who arrested Paul Slasor, 36, and Ricky Pygott, 40, during disturbances between Colchester United fans and Bromley FC stewards at the match on 21 March 2026.

As well as this year’s World Cup, the order covers all UEFA Euro 2028 matches and requires them to surrender their passports during international tournaments.

Niki says:

“Football supporters should be coming together at matches to celebrate and enjoy the beautiful game and cheer on their team. There is no place for violence or drugs.
“We know drug use can drive disorder at football matches and we are committed to tackling that behaviour and keeping it out of our grounds.
“Whether it’s home or away, we want matches to be safe and enjoyable without the risk of violence and we work with colleagues from away teams’ police forces to make this happen.”

When they appeared before Bromley magistrates on 26 May, Slasor, of Ilex Close, and Pygott, of Mabbitt Way, both admitted a section 5 public order offence of using threatening or abusive words or disorder. Slasor also admitted to cocaine possession.

As well as the FBOs, the men were also each ordered to pay costs and a surcharge. An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.

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