Wednesday incurs fine over racial incident with Reggae Boyz player
LONDON, United Kingdom (CMC) — English League Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday was handed a 12,500-pounds-sterling fine (US$16,150) and ordered to implement an “action plan for misconduct” after Jamaica and Coventry City player Kasey Palmer was racially abused at Hillsborough earlier this year.
Wednesday fan Edward Rabjohn, 21, was banned from attending football matches for five years after he admitted, in court, to racially abusing Palmer during the championship match between the two sides in January.
A report from English Football Association said video footage “clearly showed the spectator performing a monkey gesture”.
According to a statement from the FA: “Sheffield Wednesday admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators and supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion during the 94th minute [of the match], and don’t use words or otherwise behave in an improper, offensive, abusive and insulting way, with an express or implied reference to ethnic origin, colour and race.”
An independent Regulatory Commission imposed the sanction on the Owls, as Wednesday are known, following a hearing, and the club responded with a commitment to continue the work to weed out anyone who tries to tarnish its reputation.
According to a statement from Wednesday: “Following a robust investigation the culprit was identified and subsequently brought to justice.
“In addition to the sentence imposed in a court of law, this person is now the subject of a lifetime ban from all Sheffield Wednesday fixtures and club events, with the opportunity to attend a rehabilitation programme in line with the EDI Code of Practice for all EFL clubs after 10 years.”
The statement added: “As a community-focused, family football club we reiterate our condemnation of the abhorrent actions of this individual.
“We have an ongoing responsibility to ensure that supporters and anyone purporting to be supporters conduct themselves in the right manner at all times whilst following the team, home and away.”