Chelsea supporter handed a three-year ban from football after making a racist gesture towards Son Heung-Min in Stamford Bridge clash with Spurs earlier in the season
- A Chelsea supporter has been handed a three-year ban from football
- Thomas Burchell had made a racist gesture towards Spurs’ Son Heung-Min
- In addition to his ban he also received a £726 fine at a Magistrates Court
A Chelsea supporter has been served a three-year ban from football after he directed a racist gesture at Tottenham Hotspur winger Son Heung-Min.
Thomas Burchell was in the stands at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s London derby clash with Spurs on August 14 and was caught on camera making the offensive gesture.
He was identified via social media after images made their rounds on various platforms and was reported to anti-discrimination football organisation Kick It Out.
After admitting to police that he had made the racially aggravated action, Mr Burchell appeared at City of London Magistrates’ Court and was also fined an increased amount of £726 due to the racial nature of the offence, in addition to his ban.
Senior Crown Prosecutor, Kalsoom Shah said after the verdict that anyone who commits similar acts won’t get away with it, saying: ‘Football is a passionate sport but racist abuse will never be allowed to mar the game.
Tottenham player Son Heung-min (right) was the target of a racist gesture that has led to a Chelsea supporter being banned from watching football for three years
The supporter was fined £726 on top of the ban for the incident which happened at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge back in August
Thomas Burchell’s identity was reported to anti-racism and discrimination charity Kick It Out
‘We know people who are responsible for these actions are part of a small minority and we will continue to encourage anyone who sees or experiences this kind of behaviour to report it to the police and help us rid football of racism.’
‘Burchell’s offensive gesture means that he can no longer see his team play live.’
His comments were backed up by Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London South and national hate crime lead, who added:
‘Where our legal test is met, we will not hesitate to take people to court and seek harsher sentences so that justice is served.
‘Racist gestures and abuse are not just hurtful, they prevent other fans and players from enjoying the sport and cause real damage to the heart of the game.
‘The CPS continues to play a crucial role in tackling such crimes and making our national game inclusive and safe for all to watch and play.’
The offence was made at Tottenham’s Stamford Bridge clash with Chelsea earlier in the season
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