Bridport man fined for shouting racist abuse at football match
Peter Chubb, 74, of Bridport pleaded guilty to racially aggravated intentional harassment.
Last updated 21st Jan 2022
A man who shouted racist abuse at a Gillingham FC player in October has pleaded guilty to racially aggravated intentional harassment.
74-year-old Peter Chubb of Bridport was fined £250 and ordered to pay £50 compensation to the victim at Weymouth Magistrates Court today.
The incident happened during the second half of a match between Bridport and Gillingham Town FC on the 10th of October. Chubb, a Bridport FC fan, shouted racist abuse at Gillingham midfielder Ebony McCann.
The incident prompted a walkout from players in support of Mr McCann. Gillingham FC won a subsequent misconduct hearing after allegations plays broke FA rules.
Magistrates heard Chubb was remorseful for what he said and apologetic towards Ebony McCann. They also heard he had written to the club chair to apologise.
Responding to the news Ebony McCann said:
"I hope this would stop him from ever doing anything like this again. This I'm sure will be a big learning curve to him, that it's not okay to speak to people like that.
"It sets a good example. People think they can say what they want and there will be no repercussions. This will be an example that what you say will have repercussions, and it's not okay."
He says some people were more concerned about the incident leading to the game being cancelled.
Ebony added:
"For me, football is a safe space. I go to work all week, I have a family I look after, for me that's a release.
"I' go and play football, it's a hobby of mine, and I shouldn't be subject to racial abuse just for doing a hobby."
"I'm sorry, I don't play football to entertain those 10 people who've come down to watch a Saturday game of football. I play because I want to, I enjoy it.
"I couldn't care less about the people that have come to watch it and how they feel about the game being abandoned. The focus should be on 'this needs to be kicked out the game, full stop.' There's no place for it."