Fan who racially abused player gets three-year ban
Chris Wreh (left) was abused by a fan following Tamworth's 3-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup third round in January
- Published
A football fan who racially abused non-league striker Chris Wreh has been banned from attending matches for three years.
Harry Dunbar, from Fareham, Hampshire, admitted to sending Wreh a racist direct message from an anonymous Instagram account following Tamworth's FA Cup third-round defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on 12 January.
The 20-year-old supporter was later found to be behind the social media account by digital investigators and subsequently prosecuted.
Dunbar claimed he had sent the message to Wreh in a moment of anger after losing a bet on the match, which Tottenham won 3-0.
The 28-year-old refused to play for National League side Tamworth following the incident. He wrote on X, external two days after the game that he was supported by manager Andy Peaks but was "disappointed" the club did not make a public statement condemning the abuse he had suffered.
Wreh, who is the son of former Arsenal player Christopher Wreh, moved to Scunthorpe United on loan in February before signing permanently for National League South side Maidenhead United a month later.
'No place for racism'
Senior crown prosecutor Gavin Sumpter said: "Harry Dunbar lost a simple bet, and in a moment of anger, chose to break the law.
"Dunbar's actions in personally targeting Mr Wreh with such vile and hateful language whilst hiding behind an anonymous account were inexcusable and had a significant impact on the victim.
"We hope that this case makes it clear to like-minded individuals that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
"Individuals who act in this way can expect to be investigated and where there is sufficient evidence prosecuted and banned from attending games."
The FA said: " We hope that this ruling sends a clear message that incidents of discrimination - whether in person or online - will not be tolerated, and that strong action will be taken against perpetrators of this unacceptable behaviour."
Dunbar was also given a 12-month community order and instructed to do 200 hours of unpaid work, increased from 150 hours due to the racial element, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
He was also ordered to attend 10 rehabilitation days and pay costs of £85.