Scott O'Sullivan was sentenced at Swansea Magistrates' Court.
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A MAN who racially abused a Crystal Palace player during the team's clash with Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium has been banned from attending any football matches for the next three years.
Scott O'Sullivan, of Oakford Place in Portmead, was heard shouting the abuse during the match between the two sides three weeks ago, which the Swans won 5–4 after a nail-biting finish.
Swansea Magistrates' Court was told the 28-year-old has shouted: 'you can't do that you f****** c***' after one of Crystal Palace's players had tackled one of the home side.
Prosecuting, Sharon Anderson told the court a steward who had worked at the stadium since it opened had told police: "The incident lasted a few seconds and you could clearly hear what he had said.
"I have worked at the stadium since it opened, and it was the first time I have heard any racist chanting, and I was disgusted by what he said.
"Mr O'Sullivan was spoken to, and he said he was watching the match and was very unhappy at a harsh tackle made against one of the Swans' players, and he was getting carried away with himself and the crowd.
"He accepted what he had said and apologised."
Mitigating, Dan Heard said: "He was apologetic at the scene, and realised the minute the words left his mouth he was going to be arrested.
"You will know emotions were running high and Mr O'Sullivan clearly let himself get carried away.He has no previous convictions and this conviction is clearly a blot on his character."
Sentencing, District judge Steve Harmes said: "I accept you immediately regretted what you said, but you did say it.
"You are aware, if you are a regular football fan, of the Kick Racism Out of Football initiative, which is a major driver of FA policy.
"The sort of behaviour you indulged in is entirely unacceptable; it leads to banning orders, and mistakes have to be dealt with in the most punitive way".
O'Sullivan, who had pleaded guilty to threatening or abusive or disorderly behaviour, was fined £100, and ordered to pay £85 costs, and a victim surcharge of £30.
He was also made subject to a football banning order for three years, preventing him from going to any regulated matches, as well as within 2,500 metres of the Liberty Stadium on any Swans match day, for five hours before and after matches.
It also prevents him entering any city for 24 hours where Swansea City are playing, or the Welsh international side.
Read more at http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/football-fan-who-racially-abused-crystal-palace-player-given-banning-order/story-29984489-detail/story.html#ZofTh2wgvMGLKTGM.99
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