Antonio Neill, a man who racially abused Ivan Toney on social media, has been banned from entering any football stadium for three years. The Northumbria Police and the Metropolitan Police launched a full investigation into the matter shortly after the screenshots of the abuse were shared.
He has pleaded guilty to the charges, and also faces a four month suspended prison sentence.
Ivan Toney abuser banned from attending domestic games
As part of the ban, Neill will not be allowed to attend any games in the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two as well as National League.
“Discrimination has absolutely no place in any society, whether out in our communities or online,” Superintendent Scott Cowie said.
A man who abused a Premier League footballer on social media has been banned from every stadium in the UK in a landmark ruling. ❌
— Northumbria Police (@northumbriapol) March 14, 2023
Antonio Neill, 24, sent the racist message to #Brentfordfc striker Ivan Toney in October 2022. We & @metpoliceuk launched an investigation. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/2RZxZOi6Jl
“I am therefore delighted that the seriousness of Neill’s offence has been reflected with this banning order, which forbids him from attending any regulated football in the United Kingdom.
“We hope this reinforces our commitment to taking action against anybody who commits a hate crime. It will not be tolerated and we will do all we can to put perpetrators before the courts.
“I would like to thank everyone who played their part in this particular case, including the team of officers who worked tirelessly to secure justice as well as our colleagues at the Metropolitan Police, the UK Football Policing Unit and the Premier League.”
Ivan Toney has been in the news for illegal betting practises himself, and also faces a ban from football for over 260 breaches. A final decision on that front is awaited following the investigation.
