Manchester City have banned one of their own supporters for life after he was found guilty of racially abusing Raheem Sterling.
Ian Baldry, 58, pleaded guilty to the charge of abusing the England international shortly after Sterling had scored in City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth in December 2018.
Former season ticket holder Baldry was served a five-year ban from watching football and 200 hours of community service on Friday, while City themselves have banned him from attending the Etihad for life.
Baldry’s friend James McConnell, 57, also pleaded guilty to racially abusing Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings and stewards.
McConnell has also been served a life ban from the Etihad by City, as well as 250 hours community service and a 16-week suspended custodial and a five-year ban from watching football.
Sterling did not hear Baldry’s abuse but it was reported by fellow fans nearby. Baldry told Manchester magistrates court that Sterling is one of his favourite players and that he regretted his actions as soon as he made the remark.
Judge John Temperely told Baldry: “The kind of language used by you and [your] co-accused risks wider public disorder in matches and could encourage others to behave in the same way.”
In a statement, a City spokesperson said: “Following the sentencing of Ian Baldry and James McConnell at Manchester Magistrates’ Court and in line with Manchester City’s zero tolerance approach to discrimination, lifetime bans have been issued by the club.
“The club would like to thank Manchester City supporters for reporting both incidents and their cooperation throughout the investigations.”
