Football fan convicted of racially abusing Rio Ferdinand

A football fan has been convicted of racially abusing Rio Ferdinand at a Premier League match.

Jamie Arnold hurled racist remarks and hand gestures at the former England defender, who was working as a pundit for BT Sport during the match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United on May 23rd 2021.

The 33-year-old had denied a racially aggravated public order offence but was unanimously convicted on Wednesday following a two-day trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court and will be sentenced on December 8th, West Midlands Police said.

Pc Stuart Ward, the UK’s first dedicated hate crime officer within a football unit for West Midlands Police, said: “Abusing anyone for the colour of their skin is disgusting and can never, ever be condoned.

“Arnold is old enough to know such appalling behaviour is inexcusable and certainly won’t be tolerated.

“I know from personal experience how being a victim of racism hurts while offenders risk their own aspirations through getting a criminal record.

“I would like to thank Rio for his assistance in this investigation.

“Through his support, we’ve ensured a man has this conviction to his name.”

#CONVICTED | A football fan has been convicted of racially abusing TV pundit Rio Ferdinand at a Premier League game at Molineux.

Jamie Arnold hurled racist gestures at the former England defender during a Wolves & Manchester United fixture.

Read here ⬇️https://t.co/QAyIypxUrg pic.twitter.com/8v9CuJjkSf

— Wolverhampton Police (@WolvesPolice) November 1, 2023

Arnold, of Stone, Staffordshire, was arrested at the scene following the offence, which occurred during the first game played at Molineux with fans present since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Crown Prosecution Service said he was