A few people have gone way off the original topic here... People with half a brain know that in a criminal court the police have NO power over the verdict (Jury) or sentencing (Judge). They gather and submit evidence via the CPS but that's it. The unreasonably harsh sentences handed out for...
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-paid-to-seek-football-banning-orders-8772746.html
First article I've read in the mainstream media that has a seemingly unbiased opinion on football banning orders. Someone I am very familiar with was given a Civil Banning order some years back...