An Everton supporter who shouted racist abuse at Mohamed Salah has been banned from football matches for three years. Joel Barwise, 26, admitted to directing racist remarks at Salah during the Merseyside derby at Anfield in October, along with mocking the Heysel stadium disaster.
Barwise received a £500 fine and a banning order after pleading guilty to racially or religiously aggravated harassment causing alarm or distress at Sefton Magistrates’ Court. The Crown Prosecution Service stated that Barwise was observed shouting abuse when Salah’s name was announced before the game, in addition to taunting home fans about the Heysel stadium disaster.
Identified by a steward and arrested by Merseyside Police through CCTV footage, Barwise initially claimed mistaken identity before admitting his actions, stating, “Because I’m an idiot.”
Senior crown prosecutor Angela Conlan remarked, “Football has no place for this sort of behavior,” emphasizing that Barwise’s actions bring shame to his club and that the majority of Everton fans would likely condemn his behavior.
Under the banning order, Barwise, residing in Childwall, is prohibited from attending any UK football match for three years and must surrender his passport during international matches. He is also barred from going within a mile of any Everton match or Liverpool Lime Street station on matchdays.
Salah scored both goals in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Everton in the October Merseyside derby.
