A West Ham supporter has been proven guilty for racially abusing Liverpool forward, Mohammed Salah.
He has therefore been banned from football for three years after pleading guilty to the allegation.
48-year-old Bradley Thumwood, who hails from Bexleyheath, appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated Section 5 public order offence.
According to the Metropolitan Police, he was issued with a three-year football banning order, fined £400 and also ordered to pay a victim surcharge and costs amounting to £125.
Thumwood was summonsed in July after being identified by officers during West Ham’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool on January 29.
West Ham to offer fan educational sessions over racial slu at Mohamed Salah
Meanwhile, West Ham will offer Thumwood educational sessions to try to reform his views. The club also reserves the right to uphold indefinite bans, should those efforts prove unsuccessful.
“West Ham United is unequivocal in its stance – we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.
“Equality and diversity are at the heart of the football club and we are committed to continuing to ensure that everyone who enters London Stadium is free to enjoy watching their team play football in an inclusive environment.
“The club works closely with Kick It Out and our fan group BAME Hammers. In conjunction with those parties, the club will offer educational sessions to the individual in question in an effort to reform their views, whilst reserving the right to uphold their indefinite bans, should those efforts prove unsuccessful,” a West Ham spokesperson said in a press release from the Metropolitan Police.
Also speaking, the Metropolitan Police’s dedicated football officer, PC Andy Sheldon, said the agency won’t tolerate any crime during football matches as well.
“We do not, and will not tolerate hate crime of any kind at football matches and will take action against those who are found to have committed these kinds of crimes during games.
“We are committed to working closely with football clubs to identify anyone behaving inappropriately and breaking the law. We are grateful for the support of West Ham United Football Club and for their commitment to eradicating this type of behaviour.
“We ask anyone who sees or hears this type of behaviour to speak to stewards or police.”
