Burnley fan banned over racist social media post

A Burnley fan has been banned from football for three years after he admitted making a racist comment about a Chelsea player.

John Southwell was arrested after he commented on a social media post following his side's 4-1 loss to Chelsea at Turf Moor.

The 64-year-old season ticket holder pleaded guilty to posting a grossly offensive message on the internet when he appeared at Blackburn Magistrates' Court.

Southwell, of Barnoldswick, Lancashire, was also fined £345 fine by magistrates alongside the football banning order.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the fine was higher due to the hate element of the post.

The CPS said Southwell had told officers in his police interview that he could not remember if he had published the offensive comment on the post featuring the Chelsea player in December 2023.

John Moran, senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said: "This case should be a stark reminder to so-called keyboard warriors: online actions have consequences.

"This type of social media offending will not be tolerated.

"Those who peddle hate, on or off the pitch, will be brought to justice."

He added: "We are sending a clear message that there is no place for this vile behaviour and so-called fans who engage in it face the risk of being excluded from the game they claim to love."

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