Man banned from football matches after sending racially-abusive message to Bristol Rovers owner Wael Al-Qadi

A man has been banned from football matches after admitting sending a racially abusive message to the owner of a football club.

The 30-year-old sent the offensive message to Wael Al-Qadi via Twitter following Bristol Rovers’ 1-1 draw against Barrow on August 28.

A police investigation followed to track down the offender, who was using an anonymous account in an attempt to hide his identity.

The tweet was subsequently deleted.

Following lengthy enquiries between the Avon and Somerset Police, the UK Football Policing Unit and the English Football League, a man was identified and admitted during a voluntary police interview last week to sending the racially abusive message.

The man, who lives in Kingswood, has received a conditional caution and will be required to attend a hate crime awareness course.

He has also been handed a 16-week football banning order, prohibiting him from attending any Bristol Rovers fixture, and any England internationals that fall within that period.

Under the terms of his football banning order, he also cannot attend the surrounding area where those games are being played for a fixed number of hours either side of the match.

Dedicated football officer PC Mark Neal said: “Football is a passionate game, but there can be no excuse for sending vile and offensive messages. There is absolutely no place in our society for racism.

“We’d urge anyone who experiences any hate abuse to make sure they report it to police. All such reports will be taken seriously and we hope this case shows that offenders will be pursued and dealt with.

“We are grateful for the support of Bristol Rovers and Mr Al-Qadi while we investigated this matter.”

A club spokesman said: “Bristol Rovers is a family club and abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.”