West Brom issue lifetime ban to fan found guilty of racist gesture in Birmingham City clash

West Bromwich Albion have confirmed in a club statement that they have issued a lifetime ban on a supporter who was found guilty of a racially aggravated offence. Neil Grainger, 36, was convicted at Dudley Magistrates Court on Wednesday and was fined almost £1,500 and handed a three-year stadium ban.

Albion, though, have announced that he won’t ever be returning to The Hawthorns for any matches at any point in the future and that they ‘will not tolerate any form of discrimination’. Grainger, who was sitting in the home end when Albion welcomed Birmingham City to B71 in October, was guilty of making racist hand movements towards a fan in the away end.

It was a gesture which was noticed by a fellow supporter, and they reported the action to a nearby officer. Now, ahead of the reverse fixture at St Andrew’s this Sunday, West Midlands Police and Albion have confirmed the conviction and the respective punishments.

Confirming the lifetime ban via a statement, Albion chief executive Ron Gourlay said: “We will not tolerate any form of discrimination and our message to supporters remains clear; racism is totally unacceptable, and we will continue to seek the toughest available sanctions in reprimanding anyone found guilty of such an offence.

“Albion has a proud history of fighting racism and we will not hesitate in acting to ensure The Hawthorns is a safe and welcoming environment for all. Our staff will continue to work with supporters and West Midlands Police to ensure all instances of racism, either at The Hawthorns, at an away fixture, or online, are reported.

“Anyone who is found guilty of such an offence will be banned from the club for life. We again place on record our thanks to PC Stuart Ward, who worked with the