A 30-year-old Chelsea supporter has been handed a three-year ban from football for a racist gesture aimed at Tottenham striker Son Heung-min. The incident took place in August 2022 when the South Korea international went over to take a corner, with footage of it captured and shared on social media.
Chelsea were able to identify the supporter, who eventually admitted to the police that he had made the gesture. The Crown Prosecution Service revealed the man was hit with a £726 fine from the City of London Magistrates Court, which was increased to reflect the racially aggravated element of the offence, as well as a three-year banning order.
Kalsoom Shah, Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: “Football is a passionate sport but racist abuse will never be allowed to mar the game. We know people who are responsible for these actions are part of a small minority and we will continue to encourage anyone who sees or experiences this kind of behaviour to report it to the police and help us rid football of racism.”
Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London South and national hate crime lead said: “The CPS has made it clear that all forms of hate crime will not be tolerated whether within or outside a football ground. Where our legal test is met, we will not hesitate to take people to court and seek harsher sentences so that justice is served.
"Racist gestures and abuse are not just hurtful, they prevent other fans and players from enjoying the sport and cause real damage to the heart of the game. The CPS continues to play a crucial role in tackling such crimes and making our national game inclusive and safe for all to watch and play.”
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