Racist Fan Gets Slap On The Wrist

By: Wayne Farry | December 10th, 2008

Mido - Subjected to anti-Islamic racism

Barry Norman Hutchinson, the fan who subjected Mido to anti-Islamic racism whilst the Egyptian was warming up during Middlesbrough’s home tie with Newcastle United was in court today to face charges under the Football Offences Act of 1991.

Many expected this guy to get banned for life from all English football grounds, which has been the punishment in many cases in the past. However, the Teeside magistrate gave an unexpected punishment to Mr. Hutchinson. He pleaded guilty to an offence of racist or obscene chanting and perhaps it was due to this that he left the court with nothing more than a £270 fine as well as £45 costs. He must be delighted and shocked that he got off so easily. I personally was shocked to hear of the court’s leniency.

What is surprising to me is the FA’s reaction to the punishment.

An FA spokesman said; “The FA is disappointed that a football banning order was not imposed in this case. It is important to send out a strong message that racist and discriminatory chanting is totally unacceptable, and that anyone found guilty will face serious consequences.”

For me this is a surprise because I never thought that the FA were ever particularly strict with regards to fans’ behaviour. Maybe it’s easier for them to express disappointment about a punishment when it’s not them who’ve handed out the punishment, just a thought.

Middlesbrough FC, unlike the courts, have made a statement of intent by banning Mr. Hutchinson from the Riverside Stadium.

A ‘Boro spokesman said; “We are disappointed that a banning order has not been issued in this case. It makes it very difficult for football clubs to have a robust anti-racism policy without the support of the courts. Despite this setback, we will continue to be vigilant and supportive of the police in tackling all discriminatory and anti-social behaviour. The individual concerned will also be banned from the Riverside [Stadium].”

It’s a real pity that this guy wasn’t banned for life as I believe he should have been. Racism, like homophobia is a horrible, insular virus that’s still rife throughout the game that we all love. If people who commit these offences aren’t punished in the harshest possible fashion then they’ll continue to do it. They’ll also continue to spread their way of thinking on to those they know, such as their children. This, in turn could bring around a whole new generation of racist and homophobic ‘fans’ in football grounds, which is something that none of us want.

It has to be said that Middlesbrough have to be commended for doing what the court didn’t do, banning the man in question from their ground. But this was always going to happen. Hopefully all clubs follow their example and help cut out this vile behaviour in football.