Fine for OAP who used racial slur at Boston United match

A Boston United football supporter who used a racial slur against an opposing team's player has been fined by magistrates.
CourtCourt
Court

David Allcorn, 68, of Sandy Bank, New York, appeared at Boston Magistrates’ Court court today (Wednesday) where he pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour which were racially aggravated towards Worcester City player Wayne Thomas on February 27, 2016.

Prosecutor Marie Stace read out a statement from an off-duty police officer who had attended the match at York Street with his 11-year-old son, and who described how after a ‘controversial tackle’ by Mr Thomas the crowd began to boo the player whenever he touched the ball.

He said Mr Thomas had taken the heckles in the nature they were intended and had been smiling on the pitch.

However, he said his attention was then drawn to swearing and a racial slur being shouted by another member of the crowd which was described to him as ‘old school’ and a ‘bit out of order’.

He said the slur was later repeated, and play was stopped after Mr Thomas made a complaint and gestured towards the crowd where Allcorn was seen leaving the stand.

The officer’s statement said he was ‘shocked and embarrassed by what was shouted in front of his 11-year-old son’ and had a lengthy conversation about it afterwards with the youngster.

David Allcorn was later identified as the one shouting the slur and in interview made full and frank admission to using the slur.

He said he had not intended to cause offence but that he understood how it could do so.

He initially said he did not know why he had left the pitch but later admitted he had ashamed of his actions - he apologised for the upset he had caused.

Allcorn, who was unrepresented, told magistrates he was ashamed of what he had done and that he had not been a very good role model to his son.

Magistrates fined Allcorn £270, and ordered him to pay a £27 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Magistrates today chose not to issue a Football Banning Order.

l Following a directive from the Vanarama National League North Boston United banned Allcorn from all of their home games.

For more see next week’s Standard.

Related topics: