Liverpool fan banned for four years for racially abusing Patrice Evra

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 22 June 2012

A Liverpool fan is banned from attending Liverpool and England matches for four years after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

A Liverpool fan has been served a four-year banning order after being found guilty of committing a racist gesture to Manchester United captain Patrice Evra.

Phillip Gannon was seen on television footage during an FA Cup tie between the Reds and their Manchester rivals in January impersonating a monkey and directing his actions to Evra.

The supporter will not be permitted to attend any Liverpool or England games during the four-year ban, while also avoiding Liverpool city centre four hours before and after a match.

Following a two-day trial at Liverpool Magistrates Court, prosecutor Rob Girvan said: "This gesture was caught on camera and it was seen globally not just nationally. There was a volatile and tense atmosphere at the game because of a player on the pitch who said he was a victim of racial abuse.

"The defendant saying he was impersonating a Neanderthal is just a childish excuse to cover up what he did. It was clearly a racist gesture."

Gannon was also fined £180 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £300.