Forest Green Rovers: Fan facing jail for racial abuse during match

A football fan who has been banned from attending matches is facing jail for racially abusing a black player.

Ryan Ferguson admitted shouting racial abuse at Forest Green Rovers player Jordan Garrick on 18 April.

Ferguson, 23, of Barberry Crescent, Liverpool, admitted a racially aggravated public order offence and failing to comply with a banning order.

He was released on conditional bail and will be sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on 12 December.

Ferguson was already subject of a five-year football banning order imposed in 2019 for a pitch invasion and was prohibited from attending any matches.

He has breached the banning order eight times.

Gloucestershire Magistrates' Court heard that Mr Garrick was left shaken after the incident at New Lawn.

He told police: "At the time I thought his behaviour was really stupid and embarrassing that he would say something so stupid.

"I was shocked and disgusted to hear something so racist being shouted at me."

Samir Tahir, defending, said he had advised Ferguson that a custodial sentence was the likely outcome.

He said: "He has been involved with this particular group of Tranmere Rovers fans who hold some quite anti-social views.

"People just don't become racist, and it seems he has learnt over time while growing up.

"For some reason he thinks this is normal and acceptable behaviour. It's not."

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