A Leeds fan who was accused of racially abusing Jamaica and West Ham forward Michail Antonio has been banned from football events for 4 years.
The incident occurred during the teams defeat to West Ham at Elland Road in 2021. On that occasion Antonio scored a 90th minute winner to give the Hammers a 2-1 win.
Following the goal, Gary Hawkins, a 52-year-old male, was found to not have only abused Antonio from his seat but also threatened another fan who challenged him regarding the language.
Hawkins was found guilty of two offences after a trial at Leeds Magistrates' Court and given an eight-week sentence, suspended for 12 months.
The West Yorkshire Police were quick to condemn the action.
"Race hate crime such as this is truly abhorrent and can never be tolerated,” said Supt Russ Hughes.
"As we have seen with this incident, other fans will rightly take exception to this type of behaviour.”