CST welcomes the conviction of Gareth Smith, a Huddersfield Town supporter, for making a Nazi salute and shouting antisemitic abuse at Leeds United fans during the Football League match between the two clubs last December.
Smith was arrested after being identified on CCTV from the match. He admitted a charge of racially aggravated disorderly conduct and has been sentenced to a 3 year football banning order, a £130 fine, £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
The sentence of a lengthy banning order gives out a strong message that antisemitic abuse will not be tolerated in football grounds.
After the match that took place at the John Smiths Stadium, CST received several reports from fans who were present of massed antisemitic chanting by Huddersfield Town fans, which were also reported directly to Huddersfield Town FC following the game. CST calls on the club to fully investigate these allegations of massed racist chanting and take steps to prevent it from happening the next time they play against Leeds.
