Pranav Nair
City fan who abused Manchester United duo Jesse Lingard and Fred awarded three-year ban from football
According to Manchester Evening News, a Manchester City fan who racially abused Manchester United stars Jesse Lingard and Fred in 2019 has now received punishment for his antics.
Anthony Burke, who hails from Painswick Road, Wythenshawe, was in attendance at the Manchester Derby in December 2019, when he was caught on camera making racial overtures.
The 42-year-old gestured with his mouth open and hands raised to his waist making a monkey gesture towards United’s black players. He has now been handed a fine and a temporary ban from the sport.
Burke pleaded not guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence. However, the trial at Tameside magistrates court on Wednesday found him guilty and has awarded him with a fine of £500 and a three-year ban order from football.
The ban means he would now be unable to attend any future games within that time frame. While it is just a shot in the arm, it is good to see the agencies finally wake up and smell the coffee.
He also received testimony against him from Frank Coulson, a steward at the game. He gave evidence in court, in which he heard Burke shout ‘oo oo oo oo’, adding that he was 100% sure it was a monkey sound.
“One hundred per cent that’s what he was doing.”
Burke’s reaction came after Marcus Rashford scored on the night to make the score 2-0 to United. While he admits to swearing at the English international he insisted there were no racial undertones. Video evidence however says otherwise.
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Burke’s actions were widely condemned by the football community following the match. Despite the awareness drives and outcry, racism is a real issue that still exists to this day.
Unless action is taken against those responsible, it will continue to create nuisance for players who are unwitting victims of social malaise.
