Football fan given three year banning order after making racist remarks towards footballers

A football fan has today, Friday 27 February, been given a three-year football banning order after he was overheard making racist remarks towards footballers during a match at the Hill Dickinson stadium.

Ciaran O’Loughlin, 28, of Exmouth Street, Birkenhead, was heard to repeatedly making the offensive remarks during the Everton v West Ham game on September 29, 2025.

The matter was initially reported via Kick It Out before a crime report and investigation was commenced.

Following enquiries O’Loughlin was identified and charged with a racially aggravated intentional public order offence.

Today he was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and given a three-year football banning order.

Match Commander Superintendent Matthew Moscrop said: “O’Loughlin was seen and heard by other fans in the stadium to make racist and offensive marks towards West Ham and Everton players.

“The remarks were made audibly and repeatedly and clearly caused offence and distress to other fans sitting nearby.

“This type of behaviour has no place in football. Merseyside Police will continue to work alongside our local clubs and the Kick it Out campaign to identify and bring to justice anyone found responsible for committing a hate crime.

“I hope this sends a clear message and acts as a deterrent to others that we will be put you before the courts to be prosecuted if you choose to behave in such a deplorable way.”