A British court in London decided today, Wednesday, to ban a West Ham United fan from practicing any football-related activity for a period of 3 years, and imposed a fine of 400 pounds ($ 521), after he was found guilty of sending racist words to Egyptian Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
The fan - 48-year-old Bradley Thomwood - admitted his shouting against the Liverpool striker and chanting racist and anti-Islam chants when he played "Lever" against West Ham in February 2019, in the match that ended 1-1.
"Thomwood received a 3-year ban from attending matches and a fine of 400 pounds ($ 521)," police said in a statement. "He was also ordered to pay additional fees to the victim and costs up to 125 pounds."
A video of the fan was posted on social media after that incident, and West Ham began the investigation. The FA also confirmed at the time that it was aware of the incident, and shared the video with West Ham for an "urgent" investigation.
The club pledged "zero tolerance" for any similar incidents in the future, but also said it would look to educating Thomwood to change his mind.
A club spokesperson said, "We work closely with the anti-racism group" Kick It Out ", as well as with the links of our fans. In partnership with these parties, the club will provide awareness sessions for the aforementioned person, in an attempt to amend his views, while reserving the right to continue his ban indefinitely in If those efforts fail. "