Toon Student Gets 3 Year Ban From St James' Park

Last updated : 15 April 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

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Student Thomas Liam Pinkney was spotted by one of the stewards at St James’ Park during the Toon’s 2-2 draw with Spurs last October shouting abuse.

When Steven Taylor (pictured right) tackled Emmanuel Adebayor to gift a penalty Pinkney, of, Bensham, Gateshead, shouted out racist insults.

He shouted “you f***ing black ****, you f***ing black b******” repeatedly at the player.

Now, the 19-year-old former season ticket holder, who hoped to forge a career coaching football to youngsters, has ben banned from St James' Park for three years.

Fiona Varley, prosecuting, said: “The police would ask the court to consider that disorder and particularly racist behaviour cannot be tolerated within football.

“There have been many high-profile campaigns against such behaviour and racism needs to be stamped out.”

At the match, Pinkney was led away by the steward and immediately admitted what he had done.

But the teen later tried to deny his racist outburst when brought before a court earlier this year.

He eventually admitted his guilt at a hearing in March.

The court heard the student was offered a placement with Gateshead Council as part of his studies but this had been withdrawn after officers learnt of his conviction.

Pinkney was given a conditional discharge for the offence and was banned from attending England and Newcastle United matches for three years at games home and away.