Sunderland fan banned for mocking Leicester City helicopter crash

A tribute was paid to the victims before kick-off in the game

A football fan who mocked the Leicester City helicopter crash has been banned from attending matches for three years.

Sunderland supporter Keelan Murray made an offensive gesture when his team were playing away at the King Power Stadium on 24 October.

The 20-year-old pleaded guilty to a Section 5 Public Order offence at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

He was also ordered to pay a fine of £120.

Leicestershire Police said Murray was arrested after he was seen to make a gesture that referenced the helicopter crash in 2018.

The club's chairman, Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and four others were killed in the accident at the stadium.

Murray, of Coquet, Washington, will also pay £85 in costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

PC David Stevens of Leicestershire Police said: "Anyone who engages in making offensive gestures or 'tragedy chanting' faces the risk of arrest if caught.

"Such behaviour has no place in football and we will continue to work with the club to identify those committing such offences."