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SAFC fan banned for racism

A Sunderland supporter has been given an 18-month conditional discharge after admitting to racially aggravated behaviour.

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Sunderland fan Liam Jones has been banned

Liam Jones at a previous hearing Credit: PA

Sunderland fan Liam Jones was given an 18-month conditional discharge after admitting causing racially aggravated harassment while watching Sunderland lose to West Brom.

Jones, 22, from East Vines in Hendon, was pictured making a monkey gesture toward striker Romelu Lukaku in November.

He said he was doing a "chicken dance" and pleaded not guilty to the charge, but at a hearing last week Jones entered a guilty plea. He was handed a three-year football banning order and an 18-month conditional discharge.

SAFC supporter banned for racist gesture

A Sunderland fan who made a monkey gesture when a striker scored against his team has been given a three-year banning order.

Liam Jones was given an 18-month conditional discharge after admitting causing racially aggravated harassment while watching Sunderland AFC lose 4-2 to West Brom.

Jones, 22, from East Vines in Hendon, was photographed in the stands making a monkey gesture towards the Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku at the Stadium of Light in November.

He said he was doing a "chicken dance" and pleaded not guilty to the charge, but at a hearing last week Jones entered a guilty plea. He was handed a three-year football banning order and an 18-month conditional discharge.

"Racist behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated and Northumbria Police will fully investigate any reports made to us.

"We know people who are responsible for these actions are part of a small minority and would continue to encourage anyone who sees this kind of behaviour to report it to us and help us rid football of any racism."

– Chief Superintendent Steve Neill of Northumbria Police

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