A man who hurled racial abuse against Ireland soccer star James McClean has avoided a stadium ban and been hit with a fine in court.
Peter Holden (61) was accused of shouting “Irish ****” at James (32) during a match in England last September and was ejected from the stadium.
Blackburn Magistrates’ Court was told Holden was heard by a police officer targeting James with racial chants when the Wigan Athletic ace played against Accrington Stanley.
Accrington banned Holden from their Wham Stadium and anti-racism campaigners wanted the court to uphold it.
But the court decided not to impose its own ban, which would have been for a minimum of three years, meaning the club can review its order.
A magistrate said: “We believe this was an isolated incident and there is no risk of violence or disorder in future.”
Holden, of Limefield Street in Accrington, was fined £233 with £85 costs.
He was accused of repeatedly chanting “England” and then shouting abuse at McClean at the match last year.
Prosecution lawyer Alex Mann had urged the court to take a stand against racial abuse.
She said: “This is the kind of offence that will attract media attention and we should show that something is being done about this kind of behaviour.
“Where a person is convicted of a relevant offence you must make a banning order.”
Holden’s lawyer, Gareth Price, said his client had written a letter of apology to Accrington Stanley.
The court heard that Holden wrote that he had no excuse for his “atrocious” behaviour and that he wanted to “apologise to all concerned, in particular the footballer who [his] comment was directed towards”.
Mr Price said his client should not get a stadium ban and that the club will review its ban at the end of court proceedings.
“He is a lover of football, rather than a follower of a particular team, and still finds it difficult to explain the words that he used,” he added.
He said Holden was at the game after a family trip was cancelled and had been drinking, adding he did not normally drink “and it got the better of him”.
James, from Derry, has been repeatedly targeted for abuse at football matches in England, due to his decision not to wear a poppy because of its links to the British security forces.
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