A York man has been jailed for making racist gestures at a Leeds United match.
Leeds United supporter David Ellis, 39, was filmed making the gestures at a Leeds United v Aston Villa game at Elland Road on October 2 last year. The videos were seen by West Yorkshire Police on social media and an investigation was launched to find Ellis, of Pottery Lane, York.
He pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated section 5 public order act offence at Leeds Magistrates Court. Ellis was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison on April 6.
Read more: Scared residents fear Leeds market town is turning into crime hotspot and 'going down gutter'
Detective Sergeant Rob Kennerley of Leeds District Police said: “We welcome the sentencing of Ellis for his abhorrent behaviour and hope it sends a strong message that racism will not be tolerated at football matches or in any other walks of life.
“We will always take reports of hate crime seriously and do everything we can to support victims and take positive action against offenders.
“As we have seen with this incident, other fans will rightly take exception to this type of behaviour and are prepared to challenge it as completely unacceptable.
“We continue to work closely in partnership with Leeds United and encourage anyone who encounters racist abuse or other hate crime to report it to us so we can take action and make sure those responsible face the consequences.”
Read next:
