EIGHT Cardiff City fans who clashed with Swindon Town supporters in the town centre were banned from football matches for five years in court yesterday.

The hooligans were given football banning orders at Swindon Crown Court for their involvement in a brawl following a friendly game at the County Ground.

Ten Town fans were given bans ranging from three to five years, as well as community work totaling 2,400 hours, after pleading guilty to affray.

The court heard the riot – which took place on the evening of July 25, 2009 – started when a group of City supporters moved into the town centre from a pub near the train station in search of cheaper drinks.

They confronted a group of Town fans in the pedestrianised area of the town and a 15-minute riot ensued. CCTV evidence was shown to the court.

Steven Harding pushed, grappled and punched a Swindon fan, repeatedly punched two Swindon fans, and charged at a group of Swindon fans.

Jordan Gurner, who had stripped to his waist and wrapped a belt around his fist, was seen kicking and punching.

Dominic Towell punched another man and dragged an advertising sign along the floor.

Michael Grainger, Lee Evans, David Blacker and Antonia Temple all threw punches.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also arrested after being seen chanting.

Tessa Higston, prosecuting, said: “A number of witnesses made statements explaining their fear and alarm at what was going on, including the police officers who found it a very intimidating situation.

“Owners of business premises removed all their street furniture and barricaded them inside to protect themselves.”

She said the eight Cardiff fans told interviewing officers afterwards that they were defending themselves.

All eight Cardiff fans pleaded guilty to affray.

In their defence, the judge was given character references. Lawyers also said the men had entered early guilty pleas, were hard-working and were remorseful.

Summing up, Judge Euan Ambrose said: “There were members of the public present, it was a quiet Saturday afternoon in the high summer.

“For all those present it was a frightening experience.”

All the adults, except for the boy, were also each given 300 hours’ unpaid work and most, including the boy, were given curfews as well.

Det Cons Liz Coles, from Swindon CID, said: “We will continue to clamp down on hooliganism like this to help ensure members of our communities and visitors alike can enjoy Swindon safely.”

Banning orders were made against: Darryl Pearce, 43, of Beresford Close; Liam Popowicz, 27, of Cleyfields, Bourton; Ricky Gabb, 31, of Fyne Close, Sparcells; Richard Brinsdon, 40, of Argyle Street, Gorse Hill; Terry Southey, 41, of Ashbury Avenue; Samuel Baker, 22, of Clanfield Road, Park North; Kevin Pike, 38, of Cleyfields, Bourton; Mark Stratford, 42, of Morse Street; David Parmenter, 24, of Windmill Piece, Chiseldon; Jordan Gurner, 19, of Glyn Collen, Llanbradach; Lee Evans, 27, of King Street, Abertridwr; Michael Grainger, 22, of Tenby Court, Caerphilly; Steven Harding, 28, of Wedgewood Court, Caerphilly; Antonio Temple, 32, of Middle Street, Pontypridd; Dominic Towell, 29, of Castle Park, Caerphilly; Allan Woodmand, 30, of Hurst Crescent, Swindon; David Blacker, 39, of High Street, Ynysbwl, Pontypridd.