A SHEFFIELD Wednesday fan has been given a five-year football banning order (FBO) and two-year community order after racially abusing Coventry City player Kasey Palmer during a match earlier this year.
Edward Rabjohn, 21, from Sheffield, was also told he will have to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work after he appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 20).
Rabjohn pleaded guilty to committing a racially aggravated public order offence at Hillsborough Stadium on January 20 after making a gesture towards Palmer during the second half of the match.
The terms of the FBO mean that Rabjohn cannot stay within one mile of Hillsborough Stadium or Sheffield Town Hall within four hours before and six hours after the scheduled kick off time of a Sheffield Wednesday match.
Additionally, he cannot enter the city of an away game involving Sheffield Wednesday for the same period before and after kick-off.
Rabjohn was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £114.
Inspector Louise Lambert from South Yorkshire Police’s operational support unit said: “We will not tolerate hate crime or disorder of any kind at football matches in South Yorkshire. The true fans of football go to the match to enjoy a great day out and it is unacceptable that there are a minority of individuals out there who see it as an opportunity to spoil things for others or hurl vile abuse.
“This result in court demonstrates our commitment to ensuring there are appropriate consequences for those who offend in this way. We will continue to work closely with clubs across the county to crack down on unacceptable behaviours.”
