"Football isn't a matter of life and death. It's far more important than that." (Bill Shankly)

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Football is our national sport, and one that we love at Johnson's. You will regularly find our staff on the terraces of all our local clubs. We know how it feels to be promoted, or relegated. We know the emotions generated when your team score a last minute winner, or the despair when they concede one. We have a long and distinguished history of defending fans who have become a bit overwhelmed by those emotions and acted in a way which brings them to the attention of the police.

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When incidents happen at football matches it is often days, or sometimes weeks, later when the police wish to interview people who they suspect may have been involved. We have a team of advisors who can attend any police station with you, any time of the day or night. Advice at a police station is free and the only role of the advisor is to look after you. It is always best to be represented when you attend a police station interview.

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If the police believe that you have committed an offence then you may, but not necessarily, have to go to court. If so we can represent you at either the magistrates or the Crown Court and we can advise on funding and if possible obtain legal aid for you. We will advise you about the charges that you face and the strength of the prosecution evidence. We will prepare the case for you and conduct any hearings that are necessary.

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If you are convicted of a criminal offence relating to football the prosecution will probably apply for a football banning order against you. We have a separate page talking about these which you can access here.

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If you are already the subject of a football banning order then it is sometimes possible to apply to end them early. You can read about how to do that here.