Brighton bans fan over racially abusive Euro 2020 post
The post has been described as 'appalling'
A Brighton fan who posted a racist message on social media following England's Euro 2020 final defeat has been issued with an indefinite ban from the club's home and away games.
Karl Tizzard posted the message on Twitter 25 minutes after the penalty shootout finished at Wembley on July 11th last year.
The 29-year-old former kitchen worker, of Roundstone Drive in East Preston, admitted sending an offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing message or matter via a public communication network at Worthing Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (February 1st).
The court found that the charge was racially aggravated, and he was fined £1,153.
He must also pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.
Sussex Police’s dedicated football officer, PC Darren Balkham, said:
“Tizzard posted an appalling matter on his Twitter account just moments after the Euro 2020 final.
“He pleaded guilty to breaching the Communications Act by posting the offensive message which was racially aggravated.
“This court result demonstrates we will not tolerate any form of racist abuse and will pursue those who abuse others online.
"It also sends a strong message that this behaviour is not acceptable, whether that be in the stands or on social media.”
Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club said:
“The club has a zero tolerance to any racist behaviour or discrimination of any kind.
“Individuals found to have committed such offences – either in person, online or via social media – will face an indefinite ban from home and away matches and criminal prosecution.”