Man charged following alleged racist incident during Newcastle match
It allegedly happened at the home game against Tottenham in October
Last updated 6th Apr 2022
A man is due to appear in court charged in connection with an alleged racist incident during a Newcastle United home game.
An investigation has been ongoing since the incident which occurred during the Magpies’ Premier League fixture with Tottenham at St James’ Park on October 17 last year.
It was alleged that a home fan made a racist gesture in the direction of the travelling Tottenham supporters. The incident was subsequently reported to police.
Officers have since been working with Newcastle United in a bid to identify anyone involved.
Shay Asher, 24, of Gibside View, Winlaton, has now been charged with racial/religious intentional harassment. He is due to appear before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on April 27.
Shortly after the incident, Northumbria Police issued a public appeal for information to the public as officers investigated the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Superintendent Jamie Pitt, of Northumbria Police, said:
“As a Force, we do not tolerate hate crime of any kind within our communities.
“Ever since we were made aware of this alleged incident, we have been working with Newcastle United and our partners as part of a full and thorough investigation.
“With a man now charged and due to appear in court, I would ask that the public respect the ongoing proceedings and refrain from any speculation – both on social media and out in the community – that could jeopardise the live case.”
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