Charles Ogunmilade, an Arsenal supporter, has been handed a three-year ban from attending football matches and fined £260 for racially abusing midfielder Thomas Partey in an online post.
The incident occurred on April 21, 2023, during Arsenal’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Southampton. Following the match, Ogunmilade posted a vile racial slur on social media, targeting Partey after the Ghanaian international missed a shot that went over the crossbar.
The offensive comment, which described Partey using a derogatory term, sparked widespread outrage across social media. Many condemned the act and called for Ogunmilade to face legal consequences.
London police investigated the post after it was reported, leading to a visit to Ogunmilade’s home. In court, he claimed the comment was intended as a sarcastic remark among friends and denied being racist, saying, “I am not a racist person.”
Despite his defense, the court imposed a three-year stadium ban and a £260 fine. However, the punishment has drawn criticism, with some deeming it too lenient given the severity of the offense.
