A STOKE City fan who racially abused a black footballer at the Britannia Stadium has been banned from going to any matches for three years.
Robert Mason yesterday admitted making a racist comment to Blackpool striker Jason Euell during City's 4-3 Carling Cup victory on September 22.
The 47-year-old, who suffers from mental health problems, was sat in the West Stand, close to the dugouts, when he began shouting general abuse towards the Blackpool bench during the second half of the match.
But North Staffordshire Magistrates Court heard that when Jamaican international Mr Euell, who was among the substitutes on the night, turned round to see who was shouting, Mason then targeted him with a racist insult.
Mason, of Bradwell Lane, Newcastle, was escorted out of the ground by stewards and arrested by police.
And former Premier League striker Mr Euell, aged 32, was said to have been left deeply shocked and upset by the incident.
Gary Corbett, defending, said: "Stoke had not been playing well and Mason lost his composure and began ranting.
"He told police in his interview that he wanted to hurt Mr Euell in a personal way, because he thought he had been laughing at him. A lot of children sitting in the area heard what was shouted and Mason has since written to both football clubs to apologise for his behaviour.
"He suffers from a schizo-affective disorder and takes daily medication.
"However, it means he is prone to outbursts, which can sometimes be uncontrollable."
Mr Corbett said his client deeply regretted what he did and was very remorseful for his behaviour, which had a profound effect on him.
He said: "Mason has only been to two matches previous to this one.
"He chose the Blackpool match because the tickets were cheaper, but he is still a big football fan.
"This was an outburst that was not of prolonged nature and it was not a deliberately planned act. continues here
Robert Mason yesterday admitted making a racist comment to Blackpool striker Jason Euell during City's 4-3 Carling Cup victory on September 22.
The 47-year-old, who suffers from mental health problems, was sat in the West Stand, close to the dugouts, when he began shouting general abuse towards the Blackpool bench during the second half of the match.
But North Staffordshire Magistrates Court heard that when Jamaican international Mr Euell, who was among the substitutes on the night, turned round to see who was shouting, Mason then targeted him with a racist insult.
Mason, of Bradwell Lane, Newcastle, was escorted out of the ground by stewards and arrested by police.
And former Premier League striker Mr Euell, aged 32, was said to have been left deeply shocked and upset by the incident.
Gary Corbett, defending, said: "Stoke had not been playing well and Mason lost his composure and began ranting.
"He told police in his interview that he wanted to hurt Mr Euell in a personal way, because he thought he had been laughing at him. A lot of children sitting in the area heard what was shouted and Mason has since written to both football clubs to apologise for his behaviour.
"He suffers from a schizo-affective disorder and takes daily medication.
"However, it means he is prone to outbursts, which can sometimes be uncontrollable."
Mr Corbett said his client deeply regretted what he did and was very remorseful for his behaviour, which had a profound effect on him.
He said: "Mason has only been to two matches previous to this one.
"He chose the Blackpool match because the tickets were cheaper, but he is still a big football fan.
"This was an outburst that was not of prolonged nature and it was not a deliberately planned act. continues here
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