JAMIE Arnold was found guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence aimed at Rio Ferdinand while he was working as a pundit in May 2021.
Here we take a look at the crimes Arnold committed and what Ferdinand has said about them.
What crimes did Jamie Arnold commit?
In August 2021 Jamie Arnold, 33, of Norton Bridge, near Stone, Staffordshire, was charged with causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.
The crime was committed during a match between Wolverhamption Wanderers and Manchester United on May 23, 2021.
Arnold was also charged with making homophobic comments towards the referee.
Rio was working as a pundit for BT Sport when Arnold racially abused the former Man Utd defender at Wolves’ home ground Molineux.
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Arnold’s attack happened at the first game where a reduced number of supporters were allowed in the ground following the easing of Covid restrictions.
At a hearing in July 2021, Arnold pleaded not guilty.
Rio was escorted by PC Stuart Ward — the UK’s first dedicated hate crime officer within the football unit — as he arrived at Wolverhampton Crown Court on August 26, 2021.
Arnold was granted conditional bail after a 25-minute hearing.
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On November 1, 2023 Arnold was found unanimously guilty by a jury of racially abusing Ferdinand.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Alistair Redford said: “Arnold made despicable racist gestures towards a victim who was just trying to do his job.
“I would like to thank the stewards whose quick-thinking actions ensured they could identify and remove Arnold from the stadium that day, and for Mr Ferdinand and witnesses who came forward to help us build as strong a case as possible.”
A spokesperson for anti-racism organisation Kick It Out said: “Kick It Out welcomes the guilty verdict handed to Arnold today.
“It is imperative that perpetrators of discriminatory abuse are held to account for their actions and we hope this result sends a strong statement that racism has no place in our, or in society.
“We commend the CPS and West Midlands Police for their work securing justice in this case and would urge authorities across the country to take similar incidents of discriminatory abuse just as seriously.
“We continue to work with partners across football to tackle discriminatory abuse as it happens and to ensure that victims receive the support they need.
“We would encourage anyone who witnesses discrimination of any sort in future to report it directly to us at Kick It Out.”
Arnold will be sentenced on December 8, 2023.
Has Rio Ferdinand spoken out about the crimes?
At the time of the attack, Rio said: “The last couple weeks, it’s been unreal to see fans back.
“However, to the Wolves fan who has just been thrown out… you need to be dismissed from football and educated.
“Come meet me and I will help you understand what it feels like to be racially abused.”
In response to Arnold being found guilty, Ferdinand said: “I’ve been involved in a Court case in Wolverhampton since May 2021.
“Today [November 1, 2023] the guy who racially abused me has been found guilty and will now have to face consequences for his actions.
“Racism will only be eradicated when we all work together as a society.
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“The prosecution wouldn’t have been possible without all the help/support from the witnesses, Wolverhampton fans and staff that came forward to testify in court.
“Special thank you to Police Constable Stuart Ward [football hate crime officer], my Family and my team at New Era.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
