Fan guilty of Rio Ferdinand racial abuse

Image source, WMP

Jamie Arnold was captured on CCTV making the gestures and was seen by several witnesses, prosecutors said

A football fan has been convicted of racially abusing former England footballer Rio Ferdinand.

Jamie Arnold made racist gestures to the ex-defender at Wolves' Molineux stadium during a game against Man United, in May 2021.

Arnold, 33 and from Stone, Staffordshire, was ejected before being arrested, West Midlands Police said. He is due to be sentenced on 8 December.

The force thanked Mr Ferdinand for his assistance in the investigation.

Arnold, of The Glebe in Norton Bridge, had denied a charge of racially aggravated public order, but was convicted by a unanimous decision at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Image source, PA Media

Jamie Arnold racially abused Rio Ferdinand when Man United played against Wolves in May 2021

The fixture was the first to be held with fans inside Molineux following the first Covid lockdown.

The Crown Prosecution Service said Arnold was captured on CCTV making racist gestures and was seen by several witnesses in the stands.

Mr Ferdinand previously told the trial that he did not see the gestures made by Arnold, but had noted one fan's "more aggressive body language".

PC Stuart Ward, the force's football hate crime officer, said: "Abusing anyone for the colour of their skin is disgusting and can never, ever be condoned.

"Arnold is old enough to know such appalling behaviour is inexcusable and certainly won't be tolerated."

He thanked Mr Ferdinand for assisting the investigation.

"Through his support we've ensured a man has this conviction to his name," PC Ward said.

Arnold was previously banned from games for three years after being found guilty of hurling homophobic abuse and making gestures that mimicked disability during the same game, police said.

He was also ordered to pay almost £900 in fines and court costs.

A spokesman for Kick It Out, an organisation which challenges discrimination within football, said it welcomed the verdict.

"It is imperative that perpetrators of discriminatory abuse are held to account for their actions and we hope this result sends a strong statement that racism has no place in our society."