A man who performed a Nazi salute at away fans at a football game has been banned from football grounds for three years.
Alan Strank, 42, performed the racist gesture at a AFC Wimbledon game with Milton Keynes Dons on April 9.
Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court heard that Strank, of Guildford, was seen making the obscene gesture at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, but this was not reported on the day.
An investigation was launched after a review of all body-worn and CCTV footage, with Strank pleading guilty to a racially aggravated offence under Section 4 of the Public Order Act on Thursday.
Police Constable James Crawley, the investigating officer, said: “Racism has no place within football, or indeed in society, and those who engage in such behaviour should be under no illusion that they are committing a crime.
“The consequences of that crime were clearly demonstrated today. Genuine football fans and players are fed up with this kind of toxic discourse surrounding the game and we will use all the policing powers available to us to stop it from happening.”
In addition to the three year football banning order, he will have to undertake 50 hours of unpaid work in the community and pay a £180 fine.
