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Sunderland fan banned for racist abuse at Leeds

PA Media A close-up of Ethan Ampadu on a football pitch. It is dark behind him and he is wearing a white Leeds United football strip with yellow and blue stripes on the shoulders. He is looking to the right of the camera and his mouth is slightly open with sweat on his forehead.PA Media
Steven Patterson was charged with racially abusing Ethan Ampadu (pictured) and Largie Ramazani in February

A Sunderland fan has been barred from football matches for three years after racially harassing two Leeds United players.

Ethan Ampadu and Largie Ramazani were subjected to the abuse from the away end as they left the pitch during Leeds' 2-1 win over Sunderland on 17 February at Elland Road, West Yorkshire Police said.

Appearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, Steven Patterson, 68, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment after he was reported for making a monkey gesture.

As well as the ban, he was fined £346, as well as £85 costs and a surcharge fee of £138.

Leeds United, Ampadu and Ramazani thanked West Yorkshire Police for their support, adding: "There is no room for racism in football or society."

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