Rio Ferdinand speaks out after fan convicted of racially abusing him

Rio Ferdinand says a man who racially abused him will have to 'have to face consequences for his actions' as he thanked all those involved in securing his conviction.

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 Wolves and Manchester United on May 23, 2021. The home fan was ejected by stewards before being promptly arrested by officers from West Midlands Police.

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 8.

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The investigation was led by Pc Stuart Ward the UK’s first dedicated hate crime officer within a football unit. And posting on X, formerly Twitter, following the verdict Mr Ferdinand thanked him and all those involved in the case.

"I’ve been involved in a Court case at Wolverhampton since May 2021, today the guy who racially abused me has been found GUILTY & will now have to face consequences for his actions" he said.

"Racism will only be eradicated when we all work together as a society! The prosecution wouldn’t have been possible without all the help/support from the witnesses, @Wolves fans & staff that came forward to testify in court. Special thank you to Police Constable Stuart Ward (Football Hate Crime Officer), my Family and my team at New Era!"

Arnold, of Stone Staffordshire, was previously banned from games for three years after being