Ayrshire football fan who hurled racist abuse at player banned from games

A spectator who hurled vile racist abuse at a player during a football match in Ayrshire has been given a football banning order.

Robert Hunter issued his tirade at a Sunnybank FC player as they visited Hurlford United for a Scottish Junior Cup match in September last year.

Mr Hunter pleaded guilty to shouting racist abuse at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court and was given a one year football banning order - meaning he’s unable to attend any football matches.

Following the conclusion of the case, Hurlford United issued a statement that read: “Following an incident at our Scottish Junior Cup tie against Sunnybank FC at Blair Park on September 2, 2023, a spectator was immediately banned from Blair Park indefinitely after he shouted racist abuse about a Sunnybank player.

“At Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Friday, July 5, 2024, the individual was found guilty of racist abuse and given a football banning order for one year.

“We would like to put on record our grateful thanks to the supporter who challenged the individual at the time and who assisted in ensuring this individual was brought to justice in the eyes of the law.

“In line with policies outlined by the West of Scotland Football League and the Scottish Junior FA, Hurlford United believes that the opportunity to participate in physical activity and sport, especially football, should be open to all and that no individual should be discriminated against for reason such as age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, marriage or civil partnership, race, religion or beliefs, sex or sexual orientation.

“We will make no further statement on this matter.”

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