Three Men Sentenced for Hate Crimes and Ticket Scams at Football Matches
Hate Speech and Abusive Chants Banned
Three men have faced the full force of the law after being sentenced for hate crimes and selling fake football tickets in separate incidents. Steven Dodd, John Gill, and Barnaby Dodsworth each appeared in court and received punishment for their offences.
Steven Dodd’s Hate-Filled Tweets
Steven Dodd, 44, from Old Swan, pleaded guilty to posting malicious and discriminatory messages on social media (formerly known as Twitter) between December 2023 and January 2024. His tweets were homophobic, targeted disabled people, and promoted hostile chanting. On 16 October, South Sefton Magistrates Court slapped Dodd with a three-year football banning order, a 12-month community order, and fines.
John Gill Jailed for Fake Ticket Fraud
John Gill, 50, from Fazakerley, admitted fraud after selling fake tickets outside Anfield Stadium for the Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers match on 19 May. Liverpool Magistrates Court sentenced Gill to 17 weeks in prison and fined him on 15 October. His scam left fans out of pocket and locked out of the game.
Barnaby Dodsworth Punished for Homophobic Abuse
Barnaby Dodsworth, 50, from Sheffield, was convicted for shouting homophobic slurs at the Liverpool vs Sheffield United game at Anfield on 4 April. The offensive chanting caused distress to attendees. On 2 October, South Sefton Magistrates Court handed Dodsworth a three-year football banning order. Dodsworth is a Sheffield United supporter.
Police Strike Back Against Football Hate and Scams
Chief Inspector Iain Wyke said: “This type of behaviour displayed by Dodd, Gill and Dodsworth has no place in football. Dodd and Dodsworth were each issued with football banning orders for hateful comments posted online and offensive chanting at a match which caused distress to others, and this is wholly unacceptable. This ban prevents them now from attending any football game in the country.
“While Gill scammed supporters out of significant amounts of money by selling fake tickets to them outside the stadium, and he is now spending time in jail.
“I hope this sentencing sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put before the courts to be prosecuted.”
