Rio Ferdinand racially abused: Staffordshire fan guilty

A football fan has been convicted of racially abusing former England footballer Rio Ferdinand.

Jamie Arnold made racist gestures to the ex-defender at Wolves' Molineux stadium during a game against Man United, in May 2021.

Arnold, 33 and from Stone, Staffordshire, was ejected before being arrested, West Midlands Police said. He is due to be sentenced on 8 December.

The force thanked Mr Ferdinand for his assistance in the investigation.

Arnold, of The Glebe in Norton Bridge, had denied a charge of racially aggravated public order, but was convicted by a unanimous decision at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

In a post on social media after the verdict, Mr Ferdinand said Arnold now had to face the consequences of his actions.

"Racism will only be eradicated when we all work together," he said.

Mr Ferdinand also thanked witnesses, Wolves fans and staff who testified in court and for support from the force's hate crime officer, PC Stuart Ward.

The sports broadcaster was targeted by Arnold during the first match to be held with fans inside Molineux following the first Covid lockdown.

The Crown Prosecution Service said he was captured on CCTV making racist gestures that several witnesses saw from the stands.

Mr Ferdinand previously told the trial that he did not see the gestures made by Arnold, but had noted one fan's "more aggressive body language".

PC Stuart Ward said: "Abusing anyone for the colour of their skin is disgusting and can never, ever be condoned.

"Arnold is old enough to know such appalling behaviour is inexcusable and certainly won't be tolerated."

He thanked Mr Ferdinand for assisting the investigation.

"Through his support we've ensured a man has this conviction to his name," PC Ward said.

Arnold was previously banned from games for three years after being found guilty of hurling homophobic abuse and making gestures that mimicked disability during the same game, police said.

He was also ordered to pay almost £900 in fines and court costs.

A spokesman for Kick It Out, an organisation which challenges discrimination within football, said it welcomed the verdict.

"It is imperative that perpetrators of discriminatory abuse are held to account for their actions and we hope this result sends a strong statement that racism has no place in our society."