Wolves have praised West Midlands Police, security staff, stewards and the club's supporters for the joint effort which has led to the conviction of a supporter on hate crime charges, after making racist gestures towards Rio Ferdinand.
The perpetrator, Jamie Arnold, was found guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence during a Premier League match between Wolves and Manchester United in May 2021, the first match at Molineux open to supporters after the Covid pandemic.
Arnold, who had already been banned indefinitely from attending games after being convicted of hurling homophobic abuse and making gestures which mimicked disability at the very same match, denied the latest offence.
But the defendant was caught making racist gestures on Molineux's CCTV cameras, while several witnesses also confirmed the events took place, leading to a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court finding him unanimously guilty following a two-day trial.
Facilities, safety and security director at Wolves, Steve Sutton said: “We welcome the verdict in this case and praise the thorough and tireless work from so many to ensure that justice has been done.
“We are thankful for the support of West Midlands Police and their dedicated hate crime officer PC Stuart Ward, who have worked diligently to ensure the incident made its way to the courts, and to the police and stewards who dealt with the incident so professionally on the day.
“Furthermore, we are very thankful to the supporters, security staff and stewards, who gave evidence during the trial and praise their bravery and commitment to challenging and reporting discriminatory behaviour.
“Finally, we send our thanks to Rio Ferdinand for his cooperation and patience throughout the legal process, and his commitment to attending court and providing evidence. We are very sorry that he had to experience this type of abuse at the home of Wolves.
“Much like wider society, Molineux should always be a safe place, free from crime, abuse and discrimination, and working with other key stakeholders we do all we can to ensure that this is the case.
“We continue to encourage all supporters, staff and stakeholders that witness abusive or discriminatory behaviour to report it to their nearest steward, as well as through the Not In Our Pack reporting text line.”
PC Ward, who was appointed the UK's first dedicated hate crime officer within a football unit, said: “Abusing anyone for the colour of their skin is disgusting and can never, ever be condoned.
“Arnold is old enough to know such appalling behaviour is inexcusable and certainly won't be tolerated.
“I know from personal experience how being a victim of racism hurts, while offenders risk their own aspirations through getting a criminal record.
“I would like to thank Rio for his assistance in this investigation. Through his support we’ve ensured a man has this conviction to his name.”
Anyone who has experienced a football-related hate crime, or has information about an offence, should make a formal report by calling 101 or via the Live Chat service on the West Midlands Police website.
On matchday, fans are encouraged, if they see or hear racist, sexist, homophobic, or other discriminatory or anti-social behaviour to report what they see or experience to a matchday steward, or text the Not In Our Pack text line on 07723 479887 and start the message with WOLVES.
