Emiliano Sala death: Leeds United fan banned over gestures

A Leeds United fan has been banned from football after making insulting gestures in reference to the death of striker Emiliano Sala.

The Cardiff City player was killed when his plane crashed into the English Channel on 21 January 2019.

Harry Keyes, 22, of Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, was arrested at Leeds United's match against Cardiff City at Elland Road on August 6.

He was given a three-year football banning order by Leeds magistrates.

Keyes had pleaded guilty to a Section 5 public order offence of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

He was arrested after he was seen making aeroplane gestures at the match, West Yorkshire Police said.

Ch Insp Pete Hall, who led the policing operation at the game, said: "Directing chants, comments or gestures that refer to tragic incidents at rival fans is highly offensive and can cause genuine distress to those affected by those incidents.

"It has absolutely no place in football, and people going to games should be in no doubt about how seriously the authorities and the clubs will treat any such incidents."

Keyes was also fined £107 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £43 victim surcharge.

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