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Southampton football fans banned over antisemitic abuse directed at Tottenham supporters
January 10, 2016 18:35
Two Southampton fans who made hissing sounds and directed Nazi-style salutes at Tottenham supporters have been banned from attending matches for three years.
Thomas Flynn, 22, and Michael Haydon, 23, shouted antisemitic abuse during a Premier League match at Southampton’s St Mary's Stadium on December 19.
Haydon, who had been drinking heavily, was arrested inside the ground, while Flynn was detained outside. A third man reported to have been making offensive gestures was not found.
Southampton Magistrates' Court heard how Jewish Spurs fans saw a group of home supporters making “fascist salutes” and racist gestures in their direction during the match.
One of the fans was “sick with anger”, at what he took to be Nazi salutes and sounds imitating the gas chambers, said prosecutor Charles Nightingale.
Jane Hiatt, defending Haydon, said: "This is very out of character and a blip. He's horrified and ashamed."
She said her client admitted to making hissing sounds but denied making gestures.
Nicola Attwood, defending Flynn, said: "He is disgusted with himself."
She said her client also admitted to making hissing sounds but denied making gestures.
Flynn, of Southampton, and Haydon, of Cadnam, Hampshire, both admitted using threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour in what was deemed a religiously-aggravated public order offence.
Magistrate Victoria Parker sentenced them to a three-year banning order preventing them from attending games in Britain or abroad.
The pair were also given a 12-week community orders and ordered to pay £145 in costs.
The magistrate said: “This was a very serious matter and watching you during these court proceedings I think you know that and are very ashamed of what you did.”
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