FOOTBALL yobs in Gwent have been banned from football matches for a total 21 years over the past 18 months.

From no banning orders being issued in 2009/10, the force handed out one in 2010/11.

This has leapt to five being issued since April 1 this year.

In 2010/11, the one banning order doled out was for six years, the longest indivudal order Gwent Police have issued in two-and-a-half years.

The five orders made in the current financial year are for a total of 15 years. The shortest banning order handed out since April 1, 2009, was three years.

Football banning orders are used to stop potential troublemakers from travelling to football matches – both at home and abroad – on matchdays.

They are issued by the courts following a conviction of a football-related offence, or after a complaint by the Crown Prosecution Service or a local police force.

In order for an order to be issued, it must be proved the person caused or contributed to football-related violence or disorder.

Orders last between three and ten years and can be tailored to the individual.

Breaching an order is punishable by a maximum sentence of six months in prison.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: “As with any crime we monitor any football related violence, football banning orders are one of the tools we use to prevent disorder and assist us and out partners in enabling people to attend matches and enjoy them in a safe environment.”