Home   Dartford   Sport   Article

Three-year banning order for John Wild, the Bristol Rovers supporter who racially abused Dartford goalkeeper Jason Brown

The man who racially abused Dartford goalkeeper Jason Brown during their game at Bristol Rovers earlier this season has been handed a three-year banning order.

John Wild, 43, from Wotton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire, was also ordered to carry out 12 months’ community service and pay compensation to Brown as well as court fees.

The incident happened at the Memorial Stadium on October 7, when Mr Wild – standing behind the goal Dartford were defending – verbally abused Brown for several minutes.

Avon & Somerset Police carried out an investigation and he was subsequently found guilty in court.

Jason Brown Picture: Andy Payton
Jason Brown Picture: Andy Payton

Brown, who was also subject to racial abuse during his time at Aberdeen, had called for swift and strong action from the authorities in the days after the incident at Bristol Rovers.

He said: "I received a letter from the police saying they took the guy to court and they prosecuted him. He’s got 12 months community service, a three-year football ban and he has to compensate me and pay court fees.

"I see this as progress, especially after what happened in Aberdeen. Four years down the line, nothing’s been done about that but something has been done in this case.

"I’m quite pleased with the way they’ve dealt with it. They’ve been swift, they’ve been strong and it’s reassuring. It gives me confidence, that if anything like this comes up in the future, I should and I can go to the police."

But he added: "The disappointing thing is the way the FA, the PFA and Kick It Out lobbied it but did nothing about it.

"I got the first phone call and they said ‘we’ll support you, we totally understand you and we’ll put pressure on the police – but then nothing happened.

"These so-called campaigns like Kick It Out are meant to be dealing with this kind of thing – but are they? Are they really supporting minorities against discrimination?

"I knew they weren’t but a friend of mine said ‘give them the benefit of the doubt, they’re looking to change’ – but they haven’t."

Jason Brown Picture: Keith Gillard
Jason Brown Picture: Keith Gillard

Kick It Out released a statement on Tuesday in response to Brown's comments.

It read: "We are pleased to see the investigation undertaken by Avon and Somerset Police reach a satisfactory conclusion after Dartford goalkeeper Jason Brown was racially abused earlier this season.

"Avon and Somerset Police has ensured an adequate outcome, and we wish to praise them for their work on this case.

"When we were made aware of the incident, which occurred on Tuesday 7 October 2014, we immediately informed the FA. The FA told us it was liaising directly with Avon and Somerset Police, which had confirmed it was investigating, and Bristol Rovers FC.

"Paul Mortimer, Kick It Out’s professional players engagement manager, met Jason on Wednesday 8 October 2014, the day after the incident, to discuss the matter in full. Jason gave his account of the incident and Paul clearly outlined the processes we follow when an investigation is underway, which is consistent in every case of discrimination we are involved in, throughout the meeting.

“During the discussion, Paul offered the support of Kick It Out to Jason, as we do with every complainant we are in touch with, and they both agreed to a follow-up meeting.

"When Paul subsequently attempted to arrange a date, via phone calls and text message, to discuss with Jason how we could look to assist, Jason did not respond, nor did he to another enquiry from Kick It Out.

"Once the investigation had been opened, we allowed this to take its full course, as we do with all individual cases of discrimination, to ensure the matter is dealt with fairly and properly by the authorities, and the process is not prejudiced. We stayed in contact with The FA to gain regular updates on the case.

"Kick It Out has no formal investigative or regulatory powers. Kick It Out is an authorised bureau for handling discrimination and abuse cases with and for complainants. We work with the governing bodies on their processes and procedures, and liaise directly with the Police as and when required. We actively follow each complaint through to its conclusion, and if we are not satisfied with how a case is investigated, we will look to intervene.

"Paul’s role sees him working with players from all levels of football to offer them ongoing guidance and advice, and to ensure that we are tackling issues of discrimination effectively, as a collective, across the English game.

"We will continue to push for just outcomes for all those who may be abused, and for adequate sanctions of perpetrators."

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More