Will Newcastle Follow Boro Lead And Ban Fan?

Last updated : 10 December 2008 By Boro Mad

Middlesbrough have banned the Newcastle fan from future games, and the Football Association have expressed their disappointment that he was not handed a banning order from all 92 league grounds.

A Boro spokesman: "We are disappointed that a banning order has not been issued in this case.

"It makes it very difficult for football clubs to have a robust anti-racism policy without the support of the courts.

"Despite this setback, we will continue to be vigilant and supportive of the police in tackling all discriminatory and anti-social behaviour.

"The individual concerned will also be banned from the Riverside [Stadium]."

An FA spokesman: "The FA is disappointed that a football banning order was not imposed in this case.

"It is important to send out a strong message that racist and discriminatory chanting is totally unacceptable, and that anyone found guilty will face serious consequences.

"We welcome Middlesbrough FC's commitment to ban the individual convicted in this case."