Man City fan receives five-year ban from football matches for racially abusing ‘favourite player’ Raheem Ste

A Manchester City fan has been banned from attending football matches for five years for racially abusing Raheem Sterling.

Ian Baldry, who has previously described Sterling as his favourite player, pleaded guilty to using racist language after the City star scored against Bournemouth in December 2018.

The 58-year-old season ticket holder must also serve 200 hours of community service.

He was reported to police by fellow fans, who were horrified by the incident during the 3-1 Premier League victory for City.

In a witness statement, one supporter said: “I was shocked and offended and felt sick to my stomach when I heard it.”

Defending, Tahir Ayub said: “[He] realised the error of his words almost immediately after they were said.

“During his interview with the police he apologised and he clearly regrets what he has said.

“This isn’t a case where a player from the opposite team has been targeted, this comment is in fact made when Raheem Sterling scores a goal to take City to 2-1.

“He is one of Mr Baldry’s favourite players, he says he would give him a hug and kiss him for scoring that goal.

“He said it as a passionate comment during a celebration but he regretted it almost immediately after he said it.”