Manchester City fan jailed for smashing police vehicle in wild Champions League celebrations
Fan lashes out amid victorious chaos
Leon Blackett, 22, from Craigmore Avenue, Manchester, slammed into the headlines after smashing a police vehicle during raucous celebrations following Manchester City’s historic 2023 Champions League win.
He’s been sentenced to 44 months behind bars – three months specifically for football-related violence, stacked onto 41 months for other offences including possession of a bladed article and a domestic communications offence.
Shocking vandalism caught on camera
The city centre erupted after City clinched their first-ever Champions League title with a thrilling win over Inter Milan in Istanbul on 10 June 2023.
Thousands flooded the streets, but the party turned ugly when Blackett and others jumped onto a police vehicle, bouncing up and down until it was written off completely.
Greater Manchester Police used CCTV, social media clips, and bodycam footage to track him down. Blackett was arrested on 19 October and quickly admitted his guilt.
Seven-year Football Banning Order slapped on Blackett
As well as prison time, Blackett is banned from every football match and related event for seven years, starting the day of his sentencing.
Police crackdown sends clear warning
PC Matt Ford from the Specialist Operations Planning Unit blasted the violence:
“The actions by Blackett in the wake of Manchester City’s historic Champions League Final victory were completely unacceptable.
“Him and the others who were caught on camera either through our body-worn footage, social media videos, or CCTV have been robustly dealt with.”
“Fines, Football Banning Orders, and hours of unpaid work have been handed to others involved, with Blackett receiving a prison term due to committing the offence while already serving a suspended sentence.”
“This is a timely reminder to those who commit crimes while following football — even in celebration — we will pursue prosecutions for unacceptable behaviour.”
This hard line from Greater Manchester Police highlights the zero-tolerance approach to football-related disorder. The message is clear: celebrate responsibly or face serious consequences.
