Man convicted of shouting racist abuse at Warrington Town goalkeeper during penalty shootout
A man has been convicted of racially abusing a goalkeeper in an apparent attempt to put him off during a penalty shootout.
Dean Simpson, 24, shouted abuse and made racist gestures at Myles Boney during the "crucial point" in the match between Warrington Town FC and South Shields FC in September last year.
The Crown Prosecution Service said Simpson was arrested and charged with racially aggravated intentional harassment/alarm and distress, after a photo of him was posted on social media by Warrington FC.
He also kicked a plastic beer glass onto the pitch and tried to kick the football out of the team's ground in Cheshire.
Other supporters present at the game expressed their shock and concern online following the game.
Simpson denied the charges but was found guilty on Thursday, following a trial at Warrington Magistrates' Court, the CPS said.
He is due to be sentenced at the same court on November 11.
Senior Crown prosecutor Leanne Kennedy, who prepared the case for trial, said: "Dean Simpson subjected Myles Boney to vile racist abuse in what appears to have been a deliberate attempt to put him off at a crucial point in this match, when penalties were being taken.
"Mr Boney was really shaken up by the racist abuse and has spoken of his shock and disappointment.
"The issue of racist abuse at football games is very much in the news at the moment and the Crown Prosecution Service is working hard with the police to bring the perpetrators of this sort of offending to justice.
"We would like to thank the victim in this case and the witnesses for their help.
Ms Kennedy also praised Mr Boney's involvement in the case, adding: "Myles Boney's attendance in person at today's hearing should be a positive role model for other professional footballers as we work to eradicate this abuse.
"Without him and the witnesses, this prosecution would not have been possible.
"The CPS hopes this case sends out a clear message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated in a civilised society."