Banning Order for football fan who posted racist comment about opposition player

A Cardiff City fan who posted a racist comment about a Swansea City player has been banned from attending football matches.

Peter Clive Tucker made a racist remark on a social media video posted during the Cardiff City v Swansea City match on April 2, 2022.

The 57-year-old from Aberdare, who posts online as ‘Luigi Sanchez’, made the comment about the then-Swansea City player Michael Obafemi.

Several complaints were made regarding the video and following a South Wales Police investigation, Tucker received a postal charge requisition to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded guilty to racially aggravated malicious communications and on Thursday, September 21, was back in court to be sentenced.

Tucker received a 10-week prison sentence – suspended for 18 months and a five-year Football Banning Order.

He must also complete 25 rehabilitation activity days and pay fines and costs totalling £359.

Cardiff City Dedicated Football Officer, Pc Simon Chivers, from South Wales Police, said:

“We take all reports of hate crime extremely seriously.

“Offences committed online, including malicious communications and any inappropriate behaviour, can and will be investigated.

“This case demonstrates there is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind in society or in football.

“South Wales Police has designated football liaison officers who continue to work with clubs throughout the force area, including Cardiff City, to raise awareness of hate crime.”

Confronting hate crime is a challenge for everyone in South Wales – not just for the police – and we all have a responsibility to challenge prejudice.

A spokesperson from the Professional Footballers' Association said:

“Whether it’s in the stadium or online, racism or discrimination of any kind has a real-life impact and needs to result in real-life consequences for perpetrators.

“Outcomes like this are vital in sending a clear message to those who may now think twice about using discriminatory language – it won’t be tolerated.

“It’s also important for us, as the players’ union, to be able to point our members towards examples like this when we are encouraging them to report instances of abuse and to pursue these cases through legal channels.
“That isn’t always an easy decision for an individual to make, and they need to know they will be supported in seeking this kind of outcome.”

If you witness a hate crime or are a victim, please contact South Wales Police by one of the following means.

🗪 Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/

💻 Report online https://www.south-wales.police.uk/ro/report

📧 Email [email protected]
📞 101

Always call 999 in an emergency.