Steven Patterson was charged with racially abusing Ethan Ampadu (pictured) and Largie Ramazani in February [PA Media]BBCThu, November 27, 2025 at 2:38 PM UTC·1 min readA Sunderland fan has been barred from football matches for three years after racially harassing two Leeds United players.
Ethan Ampadu and Largie Ramazani were subjected to the abuse from the away end as they left the pitch during Leeds' 2-1 win over Sunderland on 17 February at Elland Road, West Yorkshire Police said.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAppearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, Steven Patterson, 68, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment after he was reported for making a monkey gesture.
As well as the ban, he was fined £346, as well as £85 costs and a surcharge fee of £138.
Leeds United, Ampadu and Ramazani thanked West Yorkshire Police for their support, adding: "There is no room for racism in football or society."
Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Related internet links
HM Courts & Tribunals
