A football fan who sent a “vile” racist tweet about Irish international striker Michael Obafemi has been handed a suspended sentence. Swansea City supporter Josh Phillips posted the abusive message in response to a tweet from the club announcing the then 22-year-old player was being transferred on loan to Burnley Football Club.
At Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Friday, he received a 12-week prison sentence, which has been suspended for 18 months. The 26-year-old Phillips, said he was a supporter of Mr Obafemi and had become “upset” at the news while speaking to friends in a pub where he had been binge drinking for several hours.Information Guide Nigeria
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Most fans reacted negatively, calling out the tweet as “unacceptable”, but some were supportive with one person replying: “Nice one JP.”
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At Swansea Magistrates’ Court, Lisa Jones, prosecuting, said police traced the account and Phillips was arrested on February 1 at his home in Swansea.NYSC Portal
While being interviewed he admitted sending the tweet and said he was “disgusted” and “ashamed” by his actions, describing them as “out of character”. He later pleaded guilty to sending a message on a public communications network that was grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing, contrary to the Communications Act 2003.NYSC Portal
A club season ticket holder from the age of four, Phillips said he had attended every home match since then as well as around 15 away games a season. He was also a holder of a priority group one season ticket for Wales games.JAMB Result
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