A Liverpool fan has been issued with a three-year football banning order plus fines for shouting a homophobic slur to Chelsea supporters before a match at Anfield earlier this year.
Paul Edwards, 50 years, from Liverpool, appeared at Sefton Magistrates Court on Tuesday 15 August where he pleaded guilty to the offence.
He was issued with a three-year banning order and fined £300 plus £120 in court costs.
At an earlier hearing the court heard that on 21 January, Edwards was queuing to enter the stadium on Anfield Road for the Liverpool v Chelsea game where he shouted a homophobic slur in the direction of Chelsea football fans to insult and cause intention harassment, alarm and distress to them.
A police officer heard his derogatory insult and Edwards, who is a Liverpool supporter, was identified and later attended a voluntary interview.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said, “This type of behaviour has no place in football. We will take action and identify those who commit hate crime in any form, and this includes unacceptable chanting which causes distress to others.
“Merseyside Police will work to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing a hate crime.
“I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted.”
Image: Merseyside Police
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