Postman cleared by tribunal over riot allegation

A postman who was sacked for allegedly taking part in a soccer riot demanded his job back yesterday after winning a case of unfair dismissal.

Tom Doherty, 23, from London, was dismissed because of his alleged involvement in crowd trouble at last year's Uefa Cup final in Copenhagen between Arsenal and Galatasaray.

He took a complaint of unfair dismissal to an employment tribunal, claiming he had been acting in self-defence during the clashes.

Mr Doherty said he had been subjected to "trial by media" after photographs of his alleged involvement in the trouble were published in British newspapers.

Mr Doherty said he was "over the moon" at winning his case and was pleased at clearing his name of the "hooligan" tag. "I was not arrested, deported or convicted in Copenhagen, yet I was sacked by the Post Office on a non-work-related issue.

"My victory proves that managers do not have 24-hour control over employees. They should manage in the workplace and leave workers alone during their spare time."

The Communication Workers Union, which had supported Mr Doherty, called for his reinstatement after the tribunal gave its decision, The union said it was pleased that "natural justice had prevailed".

John Keggie, deputy general secretary of the CWU, said: "The Post Office had jumped to the wrong conclusion without evidence. I hope they will learn the lesson of thinking before they take action."

Mr Doherty's older brother, Mick, is taking a claim for unfair dismissal to a tribunal next month after being sacked by the Post Office because of the same incident.