Football fan banned over racial abuse

Christopher Rogerson, 39, was also fined almost £1,000 for shouting racist abuse at an official at Carlisle's Brunton Park in January

A football fan has been banned from matches for four years after racially abusing an official.

Christopher Rogerson was also handed a £922 fine after he shouted abuse during a League One clash between Carlisle United and Oxford United at Brunton Park in January.

Rogerson, 39, of Madam Banks Road, Dalston, Cumbria, had denied the offences but was found guilty at North Cumbria Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Ch Insp Kim Brown, of Cumbria Police, said: "The emotion of a football match does not constitute any sort of reason to racially abuse any individual and commit criminal offences."

Rogerson must also pay £600 costs and £368 victim surcharge, leaving him with a total court bill of £1,890.

Ch Insp Brown said the force worked closely with Carlisle United to ensure fans could enjoy matches in a "safe environment".

He added: "Like in this case, we will take action to ensure those who commit crimes at football matches are held accountable and do all we can to put them before the courts."