York: Man sent ‘disgraceful’ racist email to Gareth Southgate after England defeat

A football fan who sent Gareth Southgate a “disgraceful, unacceptable, racist tirade” has escaped jail.

Brian Martin, 56, was furious after the 4-0 English Nations League defeat by Hungary in June.

He sent an email to York Magistrates Court, read out in full, which read: “Dear Gareth Wokegate.

“Not only did you cause England to lose the EURO final to Italy by playing to a tie from a winning position and choosing penalty takers who were black instead of being competent, you bloody clown, but you seem still blissfully unaware that 99% of the English people hate that Team Snowflake is taking the knee to support the racist, marxist, crooked, rampaging, looting and terrorist killers of BLM (Black Lives Matter).

“All lives matter or no lives matter.

“And please say a personal thank you from me to the cowardly piss off millionaire comedy clowns pretending to be an England football team who just had their pee useless boneless couldn’t fuck their butts thrown at them by a of the worst teams in Europe were handed out.

“Stop the anti-wake racism.

“I hope the virtue signaling, racist shit pretending to be Team England gets hammered in every game.

“They are absolute c***s hated by anyone who despises their anti-white racism and they do not represent me or my country.

“Gareth, you’re a complete idiot and the shit dishonoring the shirt ain’t England. Fuck off.’

Martin was found guilty earlier this year of one count of sending an abusive or indecent message over a public communications network.

Melanie Ibbotson, prosecutor, said it was likely Southgate did not receive the email, which was instead picked up by his personal assistant.

It was then sent to FA security who contacted the police.

Martin, who represented himself in court, said he would appeal his conviction, adding: “It’s an honest opinion, it’s a legal opinion.”

The unemployed 56-year-old said: “My human rights have been violated, my civil rights have been violated and my legal rights have been violated.”

Martin told the court he had been subjected to “egregious abuse of my rights from day one.”

District Judge Adrian Lower described his email as a “disgraceful, unacceptable, racist tirade.”

He added: “Racism has no place in our diverse society. The language you have used is deeply hurtful to many people, especially people of color.”

“It is my public duty to send a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

“You have little or no insight into how abusive you have been.”

Mr Lower said the offenses “nearly” escaped imprisonment.

Instead, a two-year community order was imposed, which includes a £120 fine and 200 hours of unpaid labour.

Martin was also ordered to pay £620 in costs and a £95 surcharge.

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