Chelsea fans jailed for bringing smoke grenades into the Liberty

TWO Chelsea fans have been jailed after taking smoke "grenades" into the Liberty Stadium for their club's semi-final match against the Swans.

Jamie Greenwood and his cousin Harry, both described as avid Chelsea fans, are today beginning terms of 28 days behind bars.

A third male who was arrested at the game, who is 17, cannot be identified because of his age. He was given a six-month referral order.

The trio were all found with Enola Gay smoke "grenades" either in the vicinity of, or inside, the ground on January 23.

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They all admitted having the article during a designated sporting event, an offence under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985.

Harry Greenwood, 19, of Bernhardt Crescent, London, and Jamie Greenwood, 26, of Cherwell House, London, were both also given football banning orders lasting six years.

Chelsea have already revoked their season tickets.

The youth was given a three-year order, which bans them all from entering any regulated matches in England and Wales or elsewhere.

Prosecutor Linda Baker told Swansea Magistrates' Court the grenade was found on Jamie Greenwood as he was searched on his way into the ground.

He told a police officer it was "a stupid thing to do".

After telling police he had arrived at the game with six others, police and stewards began tracking down the group.

At 8.45pm, Harry Greenwood was approached and produced another grenade from his pocket.

He admitted knowing it was an offence to take the item into the stadium. He also admitted he would have released the smoke if Chelsea had scored. After his arrest he said: "It was stupid. I have to accept everything that may come my way."

The youth originally denied having any items with him but later produced the grenade from the waistband of his jeans.

Jamie Greenwood and the youth admitted buying the grenades for £3 each. If released the smoke would have lasted for 90 seconds, Mrs Baker said.

She said the use of flares and other pyrotechnics at football matches had doubled each year for the last four seasons.

Mrs Baker read from the side of the three grenades where it said it was an offence for them to be let off in a public place.

"The use of such devices puts supporters, staff and officers at risk of harm," she added.

Phil Huxtable, representing all three, said they were remorseful and they were "shaken up" by their arrests.

"When they purchased them, it wasn't their intention to cause trouble as such. It was their intention, should Chelsea have scored, that they would let them off. Fortunately that didn't happen."

Jamie Greenwood had a previous conviction for ticket touting. Superintendent Phil Davies said: "The behaviour of these Chelsea fans was totally irresponsible and I am pleased that they were arrested and put before the courts following a proactive policing operation.

"The football banning orders made by the court will be enforced by police forces to ensure the vast majority of fans who are well behaved will be able to enjoy matches in a safe environment."

Deputy District Judge Neil Thomas said: "It's the potential for disaster that makes this case so very serious and only a custodial sentence can be justified."