Sunderland Fan Banned 3 Years for Racial Abuse of Leeds Players

A 68-year-old Sunderland supporter has received a three-year ban from attending football matches after pleading guilty to racially abusing Leeds United players Ethan Ampadu and Largie Ramazani during a Championship game at Elland Road.

Steven Patterson, of Stranton Street in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was fined 346 pounds, ordered to pay 85 pounds in costs and a 138-pound surcharge following his appearance before magistrates on Wednesday. The incident took place on February 17 after Leeds secured a 2-1 victory over Sunderland, with substitute Pascal Struijk scoring a stoppage-time winner to help the home side come from behind and reclaim the top spot in the table.

As Ampadu, the Leeds captain, and Ramazani, who is on loan at Valencia, walked off the pitch toward the tunnel amid celebrations, Patterson was observed from the away end making a monkey gesture in their direction. Witnesses, including the players, described him bending his arms and scratching his armpits in an imitation that prosecutors called racially aggravated. Ampadu later told investigators he immediately felt angry and upset upon seeing the actions, shouting at Patterson that the behavior was inappropriate....