The perpetrator, Jamie Arnold, has been handed a three-year Football Banning Order by the courts, and banned indefinitely from attending games by Wolves, after being convicted of hurling homophobic abuse and making gestures which mimicked disability.
He was arrested at the final game of last season against Manchester United after the vile abuse was reported to the stewards and police by a number of Wolves supporters.
The clubs’ dedicated football hate crime officer, PC Stuart Ward, then launched an investigation and, with the support of the club and fans, gathered CCTV and witness evidence.
Arnold refused to take responsibility for his actions which were aimed towards the pitch, but was found guilty of a public order offence after a trial at Walsall Magistrates Court.
The judge commended the two witnesses who he said had shown "considerable bottle and done their public duty to call this out".
Facilities, safety and security director at Wolves, Steve Sutton, said: “We are very thankful to the brave supporters who came forward to report this obscene crime, and particularly those that gave evidence during the trial which saw the individual convicted.
“Much like in wider society, Molineux should be a safe environment for all supporters, 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 are thankful for the support of West Midlands Police and their dedicated hate crime officer Stuart Ward, who have helped us act swiftly and secured a conviction, which will help make coming to football a safer place for everyone.”
PC Ward – who was appointed the UK's first dedicated hate crime officer within a football unit – said: “There is absolutely no justification for such vulgar actions.
“This was the first Wolves match with fans at Molineux following the pandemic and should have been a day of enjoyment. Instead, other supporters had to listen to and see vile behaviour.
“However, due to the support of Wolves and their supporters we were able to secure this conviction and a Football Banning Order.
“My role is to investigate any report of hate crime and that includes discrimination relating to sexual orientation and disability. We won't tolerate any type of hate crime, and will always fully investigate and pursue punishment against offenders.”
Anyone who has been a victim of 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.
