Racist abuse councillor suspended

Pascal Chimbonda is a former Wigan Athletic player

A councillor has been suspended after admitting shouting racist abuse at a black footballer.

David Phythian, 54, who serves on West Lancashire Council, pleaded guilty to shouting the insults at Tottenham Hotspurs' Pascal Chimbonda.

Phythian has been banned from matches for three years, following the outburst at Spurs' clash with Wigan in April.

The local Labour group at West Lancashire District Council said Phythian was suspended.

They have referred the matter to the Standards Board for England, a spokesman said.

Match draw

Phythian, of Evington, Skelmersdale, was fined £250 for using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour - which was racially aggravated - by Wigan and Leigh magistrates.

West Lancashire District Council said the matter was being dealt with regionally by the Labour Party.

Mr Chimbonda transferred from Wigan Athletic to Tottenham last year.

The match, at Wigan's JJB stadium, ended 3-3.