Sheffield man sentenced for racist gesture at footballer Kasey Palmer

A Sheffield Wednesday spectator who racially abused Coventry City's Kasey Palmer during a game has been banned from football for five years.

Edward Rabjohn, 21, made racist gestures to the Sky Blues midfielder during the second half of the match at Hillsborough on 20 January.

At Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Monday, Rabjohn admitted racially abusing Mr Palmer.

Mr Palmer said the abuse left him "shocked, disgusted and sickened".

The footballer reported the gesture to the match referee, Anthony Backhouse, who in turn reported it to Coventry manager Mark Robins.

Rabjohn was caught on camera making the gesture and in a police interview, he admitted to the act and to running away from the stadium afterwards.

In addition to the banning order, which means he cannot attend any Owls or England games, Rabjohn was sentenced to a two-year community order and 200 hours of unpaid work.

The sentence was increased due to the racially aggravated nature of the offence.

In a statement, Mr Palmer said the abuse he received was "completely uncalled for, unprovoked and unacceptable".

"Supporters pay good money and are entitled to have opinions about my performance on the pitch, whether that is good or bad, this is something most footballers accept," he said.

"What I will never accept is racist gestures directed towards me or anyone else.

"This is disgusting behaviour and is done for one purpose; to try and degrade me in front of people inside the ground and also people watching on TV all around the world."

Mr Palmer said if Rabjohn, from Sheffield, had seen him on the street, like any other supporter he would want a picture or autograph.

"Sadly, the gestures made towards me showed a complete and utter lack of respect towards me, Coventry City FC, Sheffield Wednesday FC, and more importantly my family and friends who have had to endure this nightmare with me," he added.

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