Arsenal fan banned for 3 years for racist abuse online

A football fan who racially abused Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey in a social media post has been banned from attending matches for three years.

Charles Ogunmilade, who is Black, admitted in court to posting a "grossly offensive" message on X (formerly Twitter). He claimed the post was intended as satire, mimicking what a racist white person might say.

The incident occurred in April 2023 after Partey, a Ghanaian international and also Black, missed a shot during Arsenal's 3-3 draw with Southampton. The offensive comment was reported to the police, who subsequently visited Ogunmilade's home. He told authorities the post was meant as a sarcastic remark shared within a group of friends.

Photo by Huy Phan

“I am not a racist person,” Ogunmilade stated in court.

Magistrate Shaoni Myer, while delivering the sentence, acknowledged Ogunmilade’s early guilty plea, previously good character, and personal experience with racism. However, she emphasized the severity of the offense.

In addition to the three-year banning order, Ogunmilade must surrender his passport to police whenever the England men's national team plays abroad. He was also fined £260 ($325) to cover penalties and court costs.