An Arsenal fan, identified as 28-year-old Nigerian national Charles Ogunmilade, has been handed a three-year football banning order and fined for racially abusing Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey on social media.
The incident occurred on April 21, 2023, during a thrilling Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton, which ended in a 3-3 draw. Ogunmilade admitted to posting a “grossly offensive” message on X (formerly Twitter) after Partey, 31, missed a shot over the crossbar during the game.
Court Hearing and Defense
The case was heard at the City of London Magistrates’ Court, where Ogunmilade admitted the post but argued that it was intended as satire within a private friendship group.
Suleman Hussain, prosecuting, told the court:
“He [Ogunmilade] said the group would mimic what a white racist would say.”
In his defense, Ogunmilade claimed the comment was not meant to be racist but was instead a coping mechanism for disappointment during the match.
“Our coping mechanism was to make fun of it, to limit the power these people have over you,” he said.
Ogunmilade also explained that he had suffered racism himself, particularly during the Euro 2020 final when England lost to Italy.
“I am not a racist person,” he stated, expressing concern about how the ban could affect his career and his ability to visit his family in Nigeria.
Magistrates’ Decision
Magistrate Shaoni Myer acknowledged Ogunmilade’s early guilty plea, his previous good character, and his experience of racism but emphasized that a conditional discharge would not be appropriate.
The court issued a three-year football banning order, requiring Ogunmilade to surrender his passport to the police whenever England plays an away match. He was also fined £125, ordered to pay a £50 surcharge, and contribute £85 towards prosecution costs.
Partey’s Recent Performance
Meanwhile, Thomas Partey continues to shine for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta’s management. The Ghanaian midfielder delivered a stellar performance during Arsenal’s recent UEFA Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.
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