A FOOTBALL fan who hurled bigoted abuse at a schoolboy player has been barred from grounds across Scotland.
Donnie Fraser was given the one-year banning order after admitting shouting a racist remark during Peterhead’s home clash with East Stirlingshire.
The Falkirk club said 17-year-old defender Jordan Tapping was so upset by the abuse that he had to be substituted minutes before the end of match.
Other people who were in the crowd at Saturday’s match at Balmoor Stadium said he left the pitch in tears.
Police launched an investigation and diehard Peterhead FC fan Fraser was traced and arrested at his workplace on Tuesday. Yesterday afternoon, the 19-year-old appeared from custody at Peterhead Sheriff Court and admitted shouting a racially offensive comment which was likely to incite public disorder.
As well as receiving a football ban – meaning he cannot attend any games in Scotland for the next 12 months – he was ordered to pay £300 in compensation to his victim and fined £450.
Fiscal depute Ruairidh McAlister said that, during the game, Fraser was heard to shout obscenities at the teenage player and make a reference to his colour.
Mr McAlister said: “During the course of the game, it became apparent that Jordan Tapping was upset by these comments. His manager became aware of this and substituted him in an effort to protect him from any further abuse.”
The court heard that fish factory labourer Fraser was identified and interviewed by police. “He admitted making the remark, but could not give a reason for it,” said Mr McAlister.
Fraser’s agent, solicitor Garry Sturrock, said that his client was embarrassed and ashamed.
The court heard that the teenager had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, as a child, had anger management issues. “Mr Fraser tells me that he has been able to overcome these difficulties, but it is clear he still has anger issues associated with football,” he said. The court heard that Fraser had gone to the Scottish League Two game with a group of about 10 other people.
Mr Sturrock said his client lost his temper when an “aggressive tackle” by Jordan Tapping went unpunished by the referee.
“There was more than one person shouting abuse,” he said. “Other people were heard shouting things like ‘go back to your own country’ and ‘banana man’. Mr Fraser is an easily influenced individual and he was goaded into joining in with the abuse.”
The court heard that Fraser, of 11 Ives Road, Peterhead, had “reflected” on the offence while in custody. He has pledged to seek help from his GP to deal with anger management issues, Mr Sturrock said.
Sheriff Alison Stirling told Fraser he was guilty of a “terrible offence”. Fraser declined to comment, but shouted at a photographer as he left court.
The offence is the subject of a separate investigation by the Scottish Professional Football League, which has the power to impose a lifetime ban from stadiums across the country.
A spokesman for the Scottish Professional Football League said last night: “We’re pleased that the police and courts have moved so quickly to identify and punish an individual in relation to Saturday’s unacceptable incident at Peterhead. In light of this, we will again speak to both clubs and police about our own investigation – which continues – and next steps.”
Last night, Vicki Burns, campaign manager for Show Racism the Red Card Scotland, welcomed the sheriff’s decision. She said: “We cannot stress enough how unacceptable this type of behaviour is. Here, we have a young man unable to carry out his job due to racial abuse. Another, through his actions, has now been left with a criminal record.”
A sporting stalwart with strong links with Peterhead FC also condemned Fraser’s actions.
Olympic torchbearer Stephen Bruce, who has been working with the club on new community facilities at Balmoor, said: “I am really disgusted and ashamed that a so-called Peterhead Football Club supporter could racially abuse a young player like that. I have been a supporter of Peterhead FC for over 40 years and I can’t remember a time when I have been so disappointed.”
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