England fan convicted and banned after posting racist Euro 2020 message

A man has been charged and fined after posting a racist message on social media in the wake of the Euro 2020 final.

The message was posted on Twitter 25 minutes after England lost to Italy in a penalty shootout at Wembley.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all missed from the spot as the Azzurri claimed European glory.

The fallout from the final was horrific with the aforementioned trio being targeted.

The post was reported to Sussex Police, and a man was subsequently charged with sending an offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing message or matter via a public communication network.

Karl Tizzard, 29, appeared before Worthing Magistrates' Court on February 1 where he admitted the charge.

The court found that the charge was racially aggravated, and he was fined £1,153. He must also pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

Sussex Police's dedicated football officer PC Darren Balkham said: "Tizzard posted an appalling matter on his Twitter account just moments after the Euro 2020 final.

"He pleaded guilty to breaching the Communications Act by posting the offensive message which was racially aggravated.

"This court result demonstrates we will not tolerate any form of racist abuse and will pursue those who abuse others online.

"It also sends a strong message that this behaviour is not acceptable, whether that be in the stands or on social media."

Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club said: "The club has a zero tolerance to any racist behaviour or discrimination of any kind.

"Individuals found to have committed such offences - either in person, online or via social media - will face an indefinite ban from home and away matches and criminal prosecution."

The 29-year-old who was charged has also been issued with an indefinite ban by Brighton and Hove Albion, the club with whom he has a season ticket.

He will not be able to attend games at the Amex Community Stadium as well as away fixtures - the maximum punishment possible from the club.

A club statement read: "Brighton & Hove Albion have issued an indefinite ban on an individual found guilty at Worthing Magistrates Court of racial abuse on social media in June 2021.

"The individual, an Albion season-ticket holder, has been issued with the maximum punishment possible, in addition to the court sentence."

It also added: "Brighton & Hove Albion has a zero tolerance to any racist behaviour or discrimination of any kind."