Millwall fan fined and banned for life for racially abusing Leeds United player (From News Shopper)

Millwall fan fined and banned for life for racially abusing Leeds United player

3:16pm Wednesday 27th February 2013 in Millwall By Patrick Grafton-Green

A MILLWALL fan who racially abused Leeds United's El-Hadji Diouf has been fined over £500 and banned for life by the club.

Gerrard Scanlon, 53, today pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence at Bromley Magistrates' Court.

The delivery driver, from Enfield, North London, received a £425 fine and costs of £100, and was banned from watching Millwall for five years by the courts.

The club has turned this into a lifetime ban.

Scanlon was arrested after Sky Sports News footage appeared to show him hurling racist insults at Diouf during the game at The Den on November 18 last year.

Police Sergeant Mark Ireland, Lewisham Football and Events office said: "The sentencing of Scanlon shows that we take racism very seriously and it will not be tolerated.

"We will always work hard to bring to justice anyone found to be engaged in racism or violence at football matches.

"Equally we continue to work alongside Millwall FC and other partners to stamp out this behaviour and ensure football matches are safe and trouble-free."

A statement from Millwall Football Club said: "The club had already decided to ban Scanlon for life from all matches at The Den.

"We are pleased that the behaviour of this individual came to notice, and that the police and the courts have now taken action against him.

"Millwall Football Club will continue to operate a zero tolerance policy to target and ban any fan guilty of displaying racist behaviour."