Wolves fan found guilty of racially abusing Ferdinand during clash with Man Utd

A football fan has been convicted of racially abusing Rio Ferdinand at a Premier League match.

Jamie Arnold hurled racist remarks and hand gestures at the former England defender, who was working as a pundit for BT Sport during the match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United on May 23, 2021.

It was the first match back at the Molineux since Covid restrictions were lifted to allow fans back inside football stadiums.

The 33-year-old had denied a racially aggravated public order offence but was unanimously convicted on Wednesday following a two-day trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court and will be sentenced on December 8, West Midlands Police said.

As reported by the Mirror, Ferdinand told the court: 'I felt sick if I'm honest. First time I'd gone back into a stadium in a long time, it's not what you expect. I've had this before when growing up, I don't expect it in football."

Ferdinand was asked whether the racist abuse hurt him. He replied: 'Yes, it throws you. I was distressed and had to go on live TV. I wasn't expecting to have to do that.  It's not what I want to do, my kids had to watch that.'

Pc Stuart Ward, the UK's first dedicated hate crime officer within a football unit for West Midlands Police, 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.'

Arnold, of Stone,