IT SHOULD have been a night for celebration as Southampton FC took to the European stage for the first time in more than a decade.

But instead fans became embroiled in what was described as ‘a mini-riot’ as rival groups clashed ahead of Saints' Europa League tie with Dutch side Vitesse in August last year.

Chairs were thrown and fights broke out as trouble flared before the historic clash.

Yesterday six Saints fans were handed banning orders for their part in the ugly scenes which marred Saints' return to European football.

It was revealed how four of them had already been subjected to banning orders in the past for violent behaviour.

It is believed that the six men were arrested separately by Dutch police as they were involved in the brawl between Southampton fans and those from another Dutch team, Feyenoord.

Video footage was used by police in a bid to pursue banning orders against those involved which showed how chairs were thrown and fights broke out ahead of the match.

Among those involved were Richard Bridle, Samuel Coleman, Luke Fairhurst, Jack Jameson, Thomas Kitcher and James Whitlock who were all given football banning orders when they appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service all six men were arrested by police for being involved in violent behaviour during the mini-riot. 

Whitlock was seen punching an opposing supporter in the face before throwing a bar stool while bridle was seen at the front of the disorder where he punched a rival in the face and abused police officers and encouraging further disorder. 

Jameson was seen at the front of the group of Southampton fans in confrontation with police and Fairhurst was seen on footage throwing chairs and tables at opposing supporters. 

Coleman was seen throwing chairs at supporters and Kitcher was seen throwing chairs and tables at opposing supporters and encouraging other individuals to do so. 

As previously reported by the Daily Echo it was the first time Saints had qualified for the Europa League since 2003 and on the night of the Vitesse match fights broke out in the Korenmmarket area of the city.

Police intervened and arrested more than 70 people.

Dealt with individually at court, each order will see the men banned from attending regulated football matches in the UK for Southampton and England Football Club.

They will also be prevented from entering Southampton City Centre during home match days and prevented from travelling to away fixtures and going to any town or city where there is an away match for Southampton that day.

During controlled periods the fans will also have to surrender their passports to the Home Office to prevent them from travelling abroad for Southampton football matches – which will prevent them from attending the European Championships in 2018.

Richard Bridle, 28, of Brookwood Road, Southampton was given a four-year banning order due to previously being given a three-year order in 2008.

Samuel Coleman, 23, of Effingham Gardens, Sholing was given a three-year ban as it was his first offence, as did Luke Fairhurst, 21, of Burke Drive.

Jack Jameson, 21, of English Road, Shirley was given a four-year banning order as he has previously received a three-year order in Bristol in 2010.

Prosecuting, Gavin Sumpter told the court: “Mr Jameson has previously threatened police that he would travel to matches without a ticket to be involved in or start disorderly behaviour.”

District Judge Anthony Callaway said that Jameson had some “growing up to do.”

Thomas Kitcher, 23, of Mead Road, Lymington received a three-year banning order and the court heard how he had previously been given a banning order in 2009 and served a previous custodial sentence for violent and disorderly behaviour.

James Whitlock, 23, of Outer Circle, Southampton was given a three-year banning order, despite having an order previously in 2008.

Football Intelligence Officer, PC Stuart Dickerson said: “We welcome the magistrates' decision to issue football banning orders for these six men.

“With the European Championships taking place this summer, this is a timely reminder to anybody considering involving themselves in violence or disorder that there are consequences for their actions whether the incident occurs in the UK or overseas.”