Newcastle ban abusive fan from St James' Park

Newcastle are to ban a fan who admitted using abusive language at St James' Park.

Steven Hogg, 49, of Blackhill Crescent, Gateshead, was fined £200 and ordered to pay a further £100 in costs and victim surcharge by Newcastle magistrates yesterday after pleading guilty to a charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting language, but was not handed a football banning order as requested by police.

Hogg was arrested during the 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat by Blackburn on November 10.

The club's head of security, Steve Storey, said in a statement on the club website: "We are very disappointed that the magistrates did not see fit to support our efforts to try and stamp out racism at football by issuing a banning order.

"But irrespective of this, the club will be banning Hogg from St James' Park for a period of time which is yet to be determined.

"Persistent foul and abusive language is not acceptable at football matches. There is no excuse whatsoever for the use of racist language.

"Such behaviour is a breach of ground regulations, which may lead to ejection and a ban from the ground.

"It also may constitute a criminal offence which may result in arrest, prosecution, a football banning order and a criminal conviction.

"The club is determined to stamp out such behaviour and take firm action against any offending supporter."