Police statement as follows in full;
On Sunday (17 January) we were alerted to a football match taking place in #Billericay and our officers engaged with some of those involved.
They provided identification indicating they were part of an elite level football club and the match involved youth and academy players.
Based on this information officers took a view that this activity was allowed under the regulations on elite sport and no breach of COVID-19 regulations had taken place.
However, following further enquiries we now believe what officers had initially been told was not the case, the match had not been arranged by an elite level football club, and the match did breach the Government’s regulations.
We’re now taking enforcement action against those involved and yesterday (Thursday 21 January) we have issued a man from #Witham a £200 fine.
Enquiries are ongoing to identify others involved.
If you have any information about the incident or those involved you can contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
