Terence Watson, 55, of Marlborough Avenue, Gosforth, appeared before Newcastle Magistrates' Court after admitting a racially-aggravated public order offence. The incident occurred during the Premier League match against Chelsea at St James' Park on December 20 last year, when the visitors scored and Watson shouted the offensive words towards the pitch.
Steward alerted police
Prosecutor Brian Payne told the court that a volunteer steward on duty drew attention to Watson, who was "standing up shouting". The steward heard the words "You black c***", which "appeared to be deliberately shouted towards the playing field". She notified police, who detained Watson. He subsequently apologised for his behaviour and pleaded guilty.
Watson, a season ticket holder for eight years, worked as a telephone engineer and had no previous convictions. He was made subject of a three-year football banning order and ordered to pay a £425 fine, a £170 victim surcharge and £85 costs.
Judge's rebuke
John Kirkham, defending, said Watson acted in an "inappropriate way" after Chelsea scored. He added that Watson was "extremely apologetic during police interview" and was "disillusioned by the whole football situation", so had no objection to the banning order. Mr Kirkham asked the court to "accept his genuine remorse".
District Judge Kate Meek told Watson: "As a season ticket holder, I assume you have seen disgraceful behaviour and how quickly it can flare up at a football match when people make comments that are abusive or offensive. You should know better. It's difficult for me to understand how you lost control to the extent you did on this occasion. It was highly abusive and offensive. Disorder in football grounds ruins football for the vast majority of people who want to go there to support their local team. Racism throughout our society, whether at football grounds or elsewhere, is equally disgraceful and shameful."
