Michael Obafemi: Man sentenced for sending racist tweet
- Published
Josh Phillips (in the grey coat) racially abused Michael Obafemi after the Swansea player moved to Burnley
A man has been sentenced for sending a racist tweet to Swansea footballer Michael Obafemi.
Josh Phillips, 26, from Cwmbwrla in Swansea, was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.
Phillips sent the abusive tweet in response to Swansea's announcement of his loan move to Burnley.
Phillips previously admitted sending a message that was grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing, at Swansea Magistrates' Court.
In his victim impact statement, Michael Obafemi said: "The racial abuse I've received is totally unacceptable.
"It doesn't matter what I do as a job, I'm a human being and I don't deserve this sort of behaviour.
"This has shocked me, and it made me feel sick. This person abused me, the colour of my skin and my race."
Judge Christopher James also imposed an alcohol ban of 120 days, 25 days of rehabilitation, and 160 hours of unpaid work.
Phillips is banned from going to any Swansea City match for three years, home or away, or from going to a licensed premises within 2,500m (8,200ft) of Swansea.Com stadium when Swansea City are playing.
Swansea Magistrates' Court previously heard Phillips was out with friends and got drunk before he sent the tweet on 28 January after learning of Mr Obafemi's transfer.
Michael Obafemi told the court the abuse was "totally unacceptable"
He later deleted the tweet, and two days later he had sought information on how to deactivate his account.
Police traced the message back to Phillips' phone, and when interviewed by officers, Phillips said he stupidly made the comment after drinking and removed it shortly afterwards.
He described the word as disgusting, telling the police he was disappointed by his own actions.
Phillips was sentenced for an offence of sending a message on a public communications network that was grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing.
Sentencing Phillips, the judge told him: "You posted an offensive message which was grossly offensive, abusive and racially aggravated.
"You caused significant distress to Michael Obafemi, his family and his friends. No-one deserves to be treated in this way. There is no explanation on why you used such a vile word."
The court heard Phillips, who has no previous convictions, "deeply regrets" his actions.
His solicitor Mark Davies told the court: "My client has pleaded guilty to an offence which is appalling and wholly unacceptable."
Mr Davies added Phillips has faced "significant consequences for his actions".
"Football is his only hobby. He has held a season ticket for Swansea City since the age of four. He has attended every home game," he said.
"The incident has caused a number of friends to no longer want to connect with him. He's been sacked from his job for gross misconduct."
The Crown Prosecution Service's sports lead prosecutor Douglas Mackay said: "We will continue to work closely with the police, football authorities and fan groups to stamp this out, to make sure that football is a game for everyone and not one that discriminates against anyone."
Swansea City said the club was "sickened" by the language used, adding that Phillips did not "represent Swansea City or the values of our club and community".
- Attribution
- Published31 January 2023
- Published10 March 2023
