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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Patrick Edrich

Everton fan hit with three year ban over match chanting

An Everton fan has been issued with a three year banning order following reports of anti-Semitic chanting.

Michael Campbell was handed the three year Football Banning Order following reports he was directing anti-Semitic slurs towards Tottenham Hotspur fans during a match of November 7 2021.

A spokesperson for Everton FC said today the club "strongly condemns any form of hate crime and has a zero-tolerance policy on all forms of discrimination".

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Campbell, 44, was identified to police by witnesses, before being arrested and charged following a joint investigation between Merseyside Police and Everton FC.

Campbell, of Aigburth Road, Liverpool, appeared at South Sefton Magistrates Court where he was issued with a three year Football Banning Order.

Campbell can't attend any regulated football matches during that time and will also have to pay a fine and court costs.

Detective Inspector Steven O’Neill said: “Hate crime in all its forms simply will not be tolerated and I hope this result sends a clear message that anyone found to commit hate crime offences anywhere on Merseyside will be brought to justice.

“Campbell will now have a criminal record and the consequences of this in the future could prove to be significant.

“The professional response of Everton Football Club stewards meant that he was quickly identified and arrested.

“We know that the overwhelming majority of supporters attending matches are well behaved and would share our revulsion at these appalling chants.

"However, when the behaviour of fans is unacceptable we will always work with clubs to identify those people and put them before the courts.

“I would like to encourage any football fans with information on such incidents to speak with officers or stewards at the ground or call 101 so that offenders can be found and face the consequences of their actions.”

An Everton FC spokesperson said: “Club officials and security staff have worked alongside Merseyside Police in their investigation which has concluded with an arrest and subsequent conviction.

“The Club strongly condemns any form of hate crime and has a zero-tolerance policy on all forms of discrimination.

"Any such behaviour has no place within our stadiums, our community or our game and we will act swiftly to deal with any reported instances of discrimination.

“Our award-winning ‘All Together Now’ campaign reaffirms these sentiments and unifies Everton and Everton in the Community’s collaborative work regarding equality and diversity to ensure all fans – and anyone visiting Goodison Park or any of our community facilities – feels safe and welcome at all times.”

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