Fans prosecuted for racist chants

Fans are no longer putting up with racist chants

Football supporters on Teesside have been blowing the whistle on fans caught chanting racist slogans at matches.

Cleveland Police said it had recently prosecuted fans after other supporters complained about their behaviour at three Middlesbrough home fixtures.

The prosecutions have resulted in a handful of fans being fined £125 and getting football banning orders.

The fans were arrested after recent games against West Ham, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Superintendent Steve Swales, of Cleveland Police, said: "It is disappointing that individuals still use this kind of language.

"But it is really encouraging to note that in these cases, the complaints were generated by other supporters and stewards who are not prepared to listen to this garbage."

'Mindless idiots'

Police said those arrested were home supporters who were directing racially-offensive words at black players.

Spokesman for Middlesbrough Football Club, Dave Allan, said: "The players and staff at MFC are determined to kick racism out of the Riverside.

"We believe football is part of the solution to racism, not the problem itself, so we devote time and resources into educating the young people of Teesside about the ills of racism.

"We have worked hard to create a family-like atmosphere at the stadium and will not risk losing that due to a few mindless idiots."