A Manchester City fan has been sentenced to 44 months in prison after causing over £10,000 worth of damage to a police vehicle during chaotic celebrations following the club’s historic Champions League victory in 2023.
Leon Blackett, 22, of Craigmore Avenue, Manchester, appeared in court where he was handed a three-month jail term for the football-related offence, alongside 41 months for separate offences, including possession of a bladed article and a domestic-related communications offence.
The court heard how celebrations spiralled into disorder in the city centre on Saturday 10 June 2023, after Manchester City’s win over Inter Milan in Istanbul, securing their first-ever Champions League title.
Police Vehicle Vandalised During Celebrations
As thousands of jubilant fans flooded the streets of Manchester, officers were deployed to manage crowd safety and prevent disorder. However, the atmosphere turned unruly when individuals, including Blackett, scaled a police vehicle and jumped up and down on it, causing extensive damage. The vehicle was written off due to the severity of the destruction.
A comprehensive investigation followed, with CCTV, social media footage, and police body-worn cameras used to identify those responsible. Blackett was arrested on 19 October 2023, and admitted to the offence during questioning.
Football Banning Order Issued
In addition to the custodial sentence, Blackett has been issued with a seven-year Football Banning Order, effective from the day of sentencing, barring him from attending football matches and related events.
Police Condemn Behaviour
PC Matt Ford, from the Specialist Operations Planning Unit, condemned the incident and warned others against football-related violence and criminal behaviour.
“The actions by Blackett in the wake of Manchester City’s historic Champions League Final victory were completely unacceptable.
Him and the others who were caught on camera either through our body-worn footage, social media videos, or CCTV have been robustly dealt with.”
“Fines, Football Banning Orders, and hours of unpaid work have been handed to others involved, with Blackett receiving a prison term due to committing the offence while already serving a suspended sentence.”
“This is a timely reminder to those who commit crimes while following football — even in celebration — we will pursue prosecutions for unacceptable behaviour.”
The sentencing marks a strong stance by Greater Manchester Police against disorderly conduct linked to football events, as authorities continue to stress the importance of celebrating responsibly.
