A football supporter who yelled racially abusive remarks about Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and made derogatory comments regarding the Heysel stadium tragedy has been prohibited from attending matches.
During the Merseyside derby at Anfield on October 21, Joel Barwise shouted derogatory remarks when Mohamed Salah’s name was announced.
Barwise, an Everton supporter, additionally made pushing gestures aimed at mocking fans about the Heysel stadium tragedy, where 39 fans lost their lives in a crush before the 1985 European Cup final.
He received a three-year ban from attending matches following a ruling at Sefton Magistrates’ Court. The 26-year-old admitted guilt to racially or religiously aggravated harassment causing alarm or distress through words or gestures.
Barwise, residing at Bentham Drive in Childwall, Liverpool, was also fined £500. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that he was observed by a match steward engaging in racist behavior and making offensive gestures.
Merseyside Police identified him from CCTV and he was later arrested.
The CPS said he initially claimed it was a case of mistaken identity before later admitting he was responsible.
Asked why he had done it, Barwise said: “Because I’m an idiot.”
‘Disgraceful’
The banning order imposed on him prohibits his attendance at any football match within the UK for the specified duration.
During international matches held overseas, Barwise is required to surrender his passport.
Furthermore, he is forbidden from being within a mile radius of any Everton match, whether home or away, or within a mile of Liverpool Lime Street station on matchdays, as stated by the CPS.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Angela Conlan condemned his conduct as “disgraceful.”
She said: “Joel Barwise no doubt thinks of himself as a loyal Everton fan but his actions bring shame to his club.
“He made fun of a tragic football disaster and shouted racist abuse when a key Liverpool player’s name was announced.”
Liverpool won the game 2-0 with Salah scoring both goals.