A Bristol Rovers fan has received a 16-week football banning order after admitting to sending a racially abusive message to the club's owner, Wael Al-Qadi.
A man in his 30s posted the message using an anonymous Twitter account after the Gas drew 1-1 at Barrow in August.
The tweet was subsequently deleted, but an investigation from Avon & Somerset Constabulary, the UK Football Policing Unit and the EFL led to the man being identified.
The man, who lives in Kingswood, admitted in a voluntary police interview this month to sending the message to Al-Qadi
The authorities issued a 16-week football banning order, prohibiting from attending any home or away Rovers fixtures and England internationals. The banning order also prevents him from attending areas surrounding the Mem on matchdays.
He also received a conditional caution and has been ordered to attend a hate crime awareness course.
Rovers CEO Tom Gorringe said: "Rovers is a family club and abuse of any kind will not be tolerated. Whether it is players, staff, fellow supporters or any other member of our community it is vitally important that everyone feels that they can support the club freely.
"The vast majority of our supporters are positive and supportive, but anyone found to be acting in a discriminatory manner will face the appropriate sanctions and will not be welcome here at The Mem.
"The rise in social media abuse is a national problem and not one confined just to our club or sport, however, positive action as has been the base here hopefully will help tackle the issue and raise awareness of the effects of what is said online."
Dedicated football officer PC Mark Neal added: "Football is a passionate game, but there can be no excuse for sending vile and offensive messages. There is absolutely no place in our society for racism.
"This was a hate crime. Nobody should be forced to endure such abuse.
"We'd urge anyone who experiences any hate abuse to make sure they report it to police. All such reports will be taken seriously and we hope this case shows that offenders will be pursued and dealt with.
"We are grateful for the support of Bristol Rovers and Mr Al-Qadi while we investigated this matter."
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