OXFORD United has welcomed the "strong message" sent after a Luton Town fan was banned from football for seven years for throwing a flare at the Kassam Stadium earlier this year.

Ewin Freeman, 22, of Solway Road, South Luton was jailed for 12 months and 44 days and slapped with the banning order at Oxford Crown Court last week.

The U's safety officer Neil Holdstock said the sentence showed the seriousness of using flares at football games.

He said: "Fortunately the penny seems to have dropped with most of our own fans who have listened to the messages from the club and from fellow fans that we will not tolerate flares and smoke bombs, home or away.

"Prison and being banned from football for seven years sends a very strong message once again.

"These things can cause horrific burns and injuries and can scar for life. We ask all Oxford fans to help us spread the word and make sure they don't appear at our matches."

In June, at Oxford Magistrates' Court, Freeman admitted to possessing a flare at a sporting event and throwing a missile at a spectators area at the U's home game with Luton Town in April.

He also admitted obstructing or resisting an officer in the execution of their duty.

Judge Peter Ross said Freeman's actions were of "gross recklessness" that represented a "considerable danger."