Crystal Palace Fan Receives Three-Year Ban for Racially Abusing Son Heung-min
A Crystal Palace fan has been banned from football for three years after racially abusing Tottenham and South Korea forward Son Heung-min.
Fan Pleads Guilty to Racially Aggravated Harassment
Robert Garland pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment in August. The incident occurred in May when he shouted and gestured towards Son during a match.
Initially, Garland was sentenced to 60 hours of unpaid work and fined £1,384. However, both Tottenham and the Metropolitan Police appealed to the UK Football Policing Unit regarding the sentence.
Appeal Results in Three-Year Banning Order
“The Metropolitan Police, supported by the club, approached the UK Football Policing Unit to seek an appeal against the sentence and, as a direct result, the court issued the supporter with a three-year football banning order,” Tottenham stated.
The club emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and its commitment to taking strong action against those responsible.
Details of the Incident
Garland, 44, made the racial gesture after Son was substituted in the 89th minute during Tottenham’s 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace on May 6, 2023.
Son informed the police that he did not provoke or engage in any behavior that warranted the racist and discriminatory treatment he received.
Hate Crime at Football Will Not Be Tolerated
Kevin Christie from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated, “This case shows that hate crime at football will not be tolerated.” He called on fans to report any form of discriminatory behavior to the police or stewards.
Premier League Welcomes Banning Order
The Premier League expressed its support for the banning order, which prohibits Garland from attending any regulated match for three years and requires him to surrender his passport during international fixtures.
The league emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for discriminatory behavior and sending a clear message that there are consequences for such actions.