Kick It Out spokesperson speaks after Wolves fan was found guilty of racially abusing Rio Ferdinand

A Kick It Out spokesperson reacted for the group after Wolverhampton Wanderers fan Jamie Arnold was found guilty of causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm, or distress by a jury following the racist gestures and expletives he directed at football pundit Rio Ferdinand on May 21, 2021.

Arnold’s unpleasant behaviour towards former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand took place while Ferdinand was covering the match between Wolves and United at Molineux. Arnold directed an animal gesture and racist vocabulary at the pundit because he celebrated Manchester United’s goal against the home team.

Mr. Ferdinand was oblivious to the gestures, though, until he was told. Speaking on how he felt after being told, he stated that he felt sick and distressed.

Jamie Arnold was reported at the scene and taken away by the police, and following his being found guilty, he must await a sentencing that might be as hard as up to two years imprisonment.

In reaction to the latest news on the proceedings, Kick It Out spoke through their official

‘Kick It Out welcomes the guilty verdict handed to Arnold today. It is imperative that perpetrators of discriminatory abuse are held to account for their actions and we hope this result sends a strong statement that racism has no place in our, or in society.

‘We commend the CPS and West Midlands Police for their work securing justice in this case and would urge authorities across the country to take similar incidents of discriminatory abuse just as seriously.

‘We continue to work with partners across football to tackle discriminatory abuse as it happens and to ensure that victims receive the support they need.

‘We would encourage anyone who witnesses discrimination of any sort in future to report it directly to us at Kick It Out.’

Who are Kick It Out?

The following is the group’s vision, according to their website.

‘Our Vision is that football will be a sport where people flourish in a supportive community, and where fairness is openly and transparently practised and enforced for the good of all participants.

‘Kick It Out are advocates on behalf of under-represented and minority communities in football, working to increase their representation in every area of the game – from grassroots to the Premier League, from the pitch to the side-lines and from the stands to the boardroom.

‘We do everything in our power to report incidents of discrimination, educate communities, and mentor a new generation of people in the sport. Football should be a game for everyone, whether they play it, work it in it or support it. But not everyone is welcome.

‘Kick It Out’s mission is to campaign for change to end discrimination and build belonging, so that everyone feels they can be a part of a sport that should be for all.

‘Kick It Out are advocates on behalf of under-represented and minority communities in football, working to increase their representation in every area of the game – from grassroots to the Premier League, from the pitch to the side-lines and from the stands to the boardroom. We do everything in our power to report incidents of discrimination, educate communities, and mentor a new generation of people in the sport.

‘Football should be a game for everyone, whether they play it, work it in it or support it. But not everyone is welcome. Kick It Out’s mission is to campaign for change to end discrimination and build belonging, so that everyone feels they can be a part of a sport that should be for all.

‘Kick It Out are advocates on behalf of under-represented and minority communities in football, working to increase their representation in every area of the game – from grassroots to the Premier League, from the pitch to the side-lines and from the stands to the boardroom. We do everything in our power to report incidents of discrimination, educate communities, and mentor a new generation of people in the sport.’

On-scene witnesses recall the incident at Wolves’ stadium

Mr Richard McConaghy, one of those on Rio Ferdinand’s side during the proceedings said, ‘He (Ferdinand) was the only Black person on the gantry where BT Sport were broadcasting from. What Mr Arnold did was put his arms under his armpits and make (racial) gestures towards Mr Ferdinand.

‘Those gestures were seen by various people, including stewards and security officers. He (Mr Arnold) was also heard to shout – ‘Rio, you (expletive) (racial slur).’

‘The CCTV cameras were directed to find Mr Arnold. They picked Mr Arnold up in the crowd, and there is footage of him turning to his father next to him, and in that footage, he demonstrated the (racist) actions again, and was laughing, and seemed very pleased with himself.’

Few Wolves’ fans had the opportiunity to say how they felt after seeing the incident.

‘Shock and anger, lost for words really. Sad that still happens in this day and age,’ said one.

‘Embarrassed. You don’t want to see that at football, especially among your own support. It’s shameful really,’ recalled another.

Arnold himself said just as he was being arrested on the spot, ‘I knew as soon as I’d done it that I shouldn’t have done. What a stupid (expletive.)’

See Dollar(USD) to Naira Black Market Exchange Rate Today!