Bexleyheath man banned from football stadium for three years after pleading guilty to racially abusing a player

A man has been given a three-year football banning order after pleading guilty to racially abusing a player earlier this year.

Bradley Thumwood, 48, of Pickford Road, Bexleyheath, was identified by police directing racial abuse towards a player during a West Ham v Liverpool match on January 29 at the London Stadium.

He appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to a racially-aggravated Section 5 public order and was issued with the three-year banning order and fined £400.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £125.

Dedicated Football Officer, PC Andy Sheldon said: “We do not, and will not tolerate hate crime of any kind at football matches and will take action against those who are found to have committed these kinds of crimes during games.

“We are committed to working closely with football clubs to identify anyone behaving inappropriately and breaking the law. We are grateful for the support of West Ham United Football Club and for their commitment to eradicating this type of behaviour.

“We ask anyone who sees or hears this type of behaviour to speak to stewards or police.”

A West Ham United spokeswoman said: “West Ham United is unequivocal in its stance – we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.

“Equality and diversity are at the heart of the football club and we are committed to continue ensuring that everyone who enters London Stadium is free to enjoy watching their team play football in an inclusive environment.

“The club works closely with Kick It Out and our fan group BAME Hammers. In conjunction with those parties, the club will offer educational sessions to the individual in question in an effort to reform their views, whilst reserving the right to uphold their indefinite bans, should those efforts prove unsuccessful.”

Pictured: The former Olympic Stadium in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, now a multi-use venue and home to West Ham United FC (Picture: Ian Capper)