Racism is a very delicate topic in today’s football world. In England, there is “zero tolerance” for this kind of behaviour in stadiums. And now, a football fan who shouted racial abuse at players during a Premier League match has been jailed.
George Reynolds, 24, used offensive language during Brighton and Hove Albion’s home game against Tottenham Hotspur on 5 October.
He was sentenced to two months in jail for the racist remarks he addressed to Tottenham Hotspur players when they faced Brighton & Hove Albion in October. He was also rather aggressive towards other football fans from the stadium, who were telling him that his behaviour is wrong and inappropriate. He admitted in court to shouting racist slurs during the game, but also justified his behaviour by saying that he was under the influence of alcohol during the match.
Reynolds claimed he was drunk and did not remember it but pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight weeks in prison. A season ticket holder in the North Stand, Reynolds was identified and ejected from the stadium following the abuse.
Sussex Police arrested him on suspicion of using racially aggravated language with the intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Good news Brighton fan jailed for racist abuse at Tottenham game . The only way we will stop this rise in racism at matches is prison sentences and life time bans. Zero tolerance especially if you are standing next to me 😂https://t.co/K18L1ZTrtS
— Star (@Star_BLM) February 3, 2020
Reynolds, of Shipley Road in Brighton, was sentenced on Friday and is also subject to a lifetime ban from the club as well as all other Brighton and Hove Albion events.
PC Darren Baulkham said:
“The language used by this individual was completely unacceptable.
“Reynolds claims he did not remember what he said due to the amount of alcohol he had consumed before the game, and he only acknowledged his actions in police interview after being informed of the numerous reports made against him by other fans.”
Brighton chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber added:
“We welcome the verdict. We have a zero tolerance on racism.
“I would like to thank those supporters who provided the club and Sussex Police with witness statements.
“It is extremely heartening to know that we can count on your support to help rid our game and society of such abhorrent behaviour.”
Brighton, who currently sit 15th in the table, won the game against Tottenham 3-0.
