An Exeter football fan has been banned from games for three years and told by magistrates to ‘watch it on TV’ after handing him a suspended jail sentence for racist abuse at a match.
A 44-year-old man has been handed a suspended prison sentence and football banning order, after spouting racist abuse to three stewards at an Exeter City vs Plymouth Argyle match, writes Isabelle Pinnock, OPCC court reporting scheme.
Bret Burgess, of Peppercombe Avenue, near Middlemoor, Exeter, pleaded guilty to three counts of racially aggravated threatening, abusive, insulting words and disorderly behaviour causing harassment alarm or distress from October 23.
The court heard that Burgess, appearing intoxicated, was stood in a different stand to the stewards and said to them: “If I jump are you going to stop me?”
One of the complainants replied that they would have to, as it is their job.
At that point, Burgess began hurling vile racist language to the three men, telling one of them: “Go back to where you came from, you’re probably part of those grooming gangs you p*ki.”
To another, he said: “I’m not being told what to do by a f***ing immigrant. Don’t get me involved in your bulls**t you’re probably one as well.”
The steward, who previously served in the Royal Marines, said: “I don’t like this suggestion… I have served my country. I identify myself as mixed race. Clearly, he thinks he has a right to use this language.
“He was aggressive, abusive and racist with many forms of outdated opinions which have no place in football stadiums or society.”
Burgess said to a third male: “I’m going to rip your ear off if you stop me, I’m going to bite your nose…you f***ing immigrant you’re not going to tell me what to do.”
The complainant, who has lived in the country with his wife since 2012, said: “It makes me sad and confused… I work hard to positively contribute to this country.
“I think the political situation in the UK is the reason for saying what he has to me. While I understand the situation of this country, I work and pay… I have a family here. I consider this my home.”
The prosecutor said the popular match would have attracted families and “hundreds, if not thousands” of attendees.
She added that Burgess has “contributed to disorder in the UK” and applied for a football banning order.
The court heard the defendant is currently on a suspended sentence order from the crown court for a charge of possession of an offensive weapon from last year.
Stephen Nunn, defending, said: “Does this sort of behaviour cross the custodial threshold? My view, if I were sat where you are, is that it does.
“It’s a view fuelled by certain political factions in this country at the moment, and this is what happens, apart from the people that fuel it usually don’t end up in court.”
Nunn said that Burgess, who is married with children, runs his own business and has been making progress with his current suspended sentence order.
Sentencing, the Chair of Magistrates said: “Your conduct was nothing short of appalling.”
Burgess was handed an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, to run alongside his existing sentence. He must pay a total of £600 in compensation, £200 to each complainant, and court costs of £85.
A football banning order was also imposed, meaning that the defendant is banned from entering any premises for the purposes of attending any regulated football match in the UK for three years.
He must also surrender his passport when certain football matches are played outside the UK.
The chair said: “Essentially, you don’t go to football matches anymore. You stay away. Watch it on the TV.”
