A man who posted a racist comment about a Premier League footballer online has been given a three-year football banning order.
John Southwell, 64, posted the offensive comment on Facebook at 12.18pm on 11th December 2023 under a news article about the Chelsea FC striker Nicolas Jackson.
The article related to a controversial incident the striker had been involved in during Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Everton the previous day.
After being identified, Southwell, who is a Burnley FC supporter, was charged with sending by a public communication network an offensive / indecent / obscene / menacing message / matter.
Southwell, of Dale Street, Earby, admitted the offence when he appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court. He was fined £385, ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £138 victim surcharge.
PC Byron Worrall, from East Division, said: “This case is unusual in that a football banning order has been issued for an offence committed away from an actual fixture and on social media.
“I welcome the sentence and hope it sends out a strong message that racist behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated by Lancashire Police, whether it be in public or while hiding behind a keyboard.”
Over 20,000 illegal cigarettes seized during police day of action
Sex offender who encouraged child to self-harm is jailed
Blackburn with Darwen Council launch homeless strategy consultation
East Lancs shop forced to shut until January after illegal vapes bust
Delays to Accrington town square regeneration
Dangerous child rapist given sentence totalling 16 years
Revamp of Great Harwood’s historic Mercer Hall moves forward
