01 November 2023 , 17:36
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Rio Ferdinand has broken his silence after a football fan was found guilty of racially abusing him.
Jamie Arnold, 32, was found unanimously guilty by a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Wednesday and will be sentenced on December 8. The incident happened during a Premier League game between Wolves and Manchester United at Molineux in May 2021.
Ferdinand wrote on social media: "I’ve been involved in a Court case at Wolverhampton since MAY 2021, today the guy who racially abused me has been found GUILTY & will now have to face consequences for his actions. Racism will only be eradicated when we all work together as a society!
"The prosecution wouldn’t have been possible without all the help/support from the witnesses, @Wolves fans & staff that came forward to testify in court. Special thank you to Police Constable Stuart Ward (Football Hate Crime Officer), my Family and my team at New Era!"
Ferdinand had been working as a pundit for BT Sport when Arnold committed the offence. Arnold, of Stone in Staffordshire, was ejected from Molineux by stewards and arrested by police officers. He denied a charge of a racially aggravated public order but was found unanimously guilty.
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Ferdinand gave evidence during the second day of the trial on Tuesday. He said he didn't hear the racist abuse but was made aware of it at half-time and it hit him hard.
The 44-year-old told the court: "I felt sick if I'm honest. First time I'd gone back into a stadium in a long time, it's not what you expect… I've had this before when growing up, I don't expect it in football."
Jamie Arnold was found guilty of racially abusing Rio Ferdinand (PA)Asked whether the racist abuse hurt him, he replied: "Yes, it throws you. I was distressed and had to go on live TV. I wasn't expecting to have to do that… It's not what I want to do, my kids had to watch that."
Arnold was convicted after an investigation by dedicated football hate crime officer PC Stuart Ward, who analysed CCTV evidence and collated witness statements.
PC Ward said: "Abusing anyone for the colour of their skin is disgusting and can never, ever be condoned. Arnold is old enough to know such appalling behaviour is inexcusable and certainly won't be tolerated.
"I know from personal experience how being a victim of racism hurts while offenders risk their own aspirations through getting a criminal record. I would like to thank Rio for his assistance in this investigation. Through his support we've ensured a man has this conviction to his name."