A Leeds United fan has been given a three-year football banning order after making offensive chants about the death of Cardiff City player Emiliano Sala during their match at Elland Road in August.
Harry Keyes, 22, was arrested after police evidence gatherers saw him making aeroplane gestures, believed to be in reference to Sala’s tragic death in a plane crash in 2019. He was charged with a Section 5 public order offence and pleaded guilty at Leeds Magistrates Court today.
Keyes was fined £107, ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs, and £43 victim surcharge. He was also given a three-year football banning order, which will prevent him from attending any Leeds United matches at home or away.
Chief Inspector Pete Hall, who led the policing operation at the match, said: “Directing chants, comments or gestures that refer to tragic incidents at rival fans is highly offensive and can cause genuine distress to those affected by those incidents.
“It has absolutely no place in football, and people going to games should be in no doubt about how seriously the authorities and the clubs will treat any such incidents.
“We know that the majority of fans don’t want to see this type of behaviour and want to see firm action against those who engage in it.
“We will be continuing to work closely with Leeds United and visiting clubs to investigate any offences and respond appropriately, including seeking football banning orders against those involved.”
The football banning order will also prevent Keyes from entering any pubs or bars within a one-mile radius of Elland Road Stadium during a Leeds United match for the duration of the order.
