Two Manchester City fans banned for racist abuse in home game against Bournemouth
The men were heard using racist language towards players and stewards at Manchester City's home game against Bournemouth in 2018.
Friday 10 January 2020 23:22, UK
Two Manchester City fans have been handed football banning orders after they admitted to using racist language at the Etihad Stadium.
The men were given a five-year football banning order from the courts, and a lifetime ban from the Manchester City ground by the Premier League holders.
Ian Baldry, 58, from Bradford in West Yorkshire made comments towards Raheem Sterling after he scored a winning goal in his team's league game against Bournemouth in December 2018.
James McConnell, 57, from Manchester, was heard making racist comments to two match stewards at the same game in the city.
Witnesses said McConnell was being drunk and abusive throughout the first half and frequently swore at players on the pitch, according to Greater Manchester Police.
He also reportedly made a remark about the race of Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings.
McConnell was confronted about his behaviour by a fan, who then reported him to the stewards.
Police say two months earlier, the 57-year-old was also heard shouting similar comments at a City player as they took a corner at a home game against Newcastle.
Both men were sentenced at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Friday after they pleaded guilty to causing racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress.
Baldry was also sentenced to 200 hours of community service, with McConnell ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid community work.
Following sentencing, Detective Constable Chris Preston said: "There are few words that can be used to describe the behaviour of McConnell and Baldry during this incident but their actions were absolutely disgusting.
"For them to brazenly and loudly use racist language in front of numerous other spectators as though it was completely normal is astonishing.
"Racism at football matches simply will not be tolerated by Greater Manchester Police and we are prepared to take positive action against anyone seeking to take part in this kind of behaviour."
In a statement, Manchester City said: "Following the sentencing of Ian Baldry and James McConnell at Manchester Magistrates' Court and in line with Manchester City's zero tolerance approach to discrimination, lifetime bans have been issued by the club.
"The club would like to thank Manchester City supporters for reporting both incidents and their cooperation throughout the investigations."