A Sunderland supporter has been banned from attending football matches for three years after admitting racially abusing Leeds United players Ethan Ampadu and Largie Ramazani following a Championship fixture earlier this year.
The incident took place after Leeds’ 2-1 win over Sunderland at Elland Road on 17 February, when the club captain Ampadu and winger Ramazani – currently on loan at Valencia – were leaving the pitch.
West Yorkshire Police confirmed that Stephen Patterson, 68, of Stranton Street in Bishop Auckland, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated offending when he appeared before magistrates on Wednesday.
Patterson was fined £346, ordered to pay £85 in costs, and a £138 surcharge, in addition to receiving the banning order.
Police said he was witnessed by officers making a monkey gesture toward the Leeds players as they exited the pitch at full-time. The gesture was reported to the match referee, who subsequently alerted police.
In a joint statement, Leeds United, Ethan Ampadu and Largie Ramazani thanked West Yorkshire Police for their support, adding:
“There is no room for racism in football or society.”
The match saw Leeds come from behind to claim victory, with substitute Pascal Struijk heading home a stoppage-time winner to send the club back to the top of the table.