A man who abused Everton and West Ham players has been given a banning order.
Ciaran O’Loughlin directed racist and offensive remarks towards footballers from both teams during the game at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 29 last year.
The 28-year-old from Birkenhead, a former Everton youth player, was initially reported through Kick It Out before it was taken up as a police investigation.
O’Loughlin was later identified and charged with a racially aggravated intentional public order offence ahead of being sentenced on Friday (February 27).
He received a suspended eight-week prison sentence at Sefton Magistrates’ Court, alongside a three-year banning order from attending all organised football games.
Superintendent Matthew Moscrop said: “O’Loughlin was seen and heard by other fans in the stadium to make racist and offensive marks towards West Ham and Everton players.
“The remarks were made audibly and repeatedly and clearly caused offence and distress to other fans sitting nearby.
“This type of behaviour has no place in football. Merseyside Police will continue to work alongside our local clubs and the Kick it Out campaign to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing a hate crime.
“I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted if you choose to behave in such a deplorable way.”