Man arrested over alleged abuse of Oldham footballer Tom Adeyemi

Tom Adeyemi was visibly upset after the incident at Anfield

Police investigating an incident of alleged racist abuse by fans at Anfield towards Oldham Athletic defender Tom Adeyemi have arrested a man.

An investigation was launched after Friday night's Liverpool v Oldham FA Cup third-round game. Merseyside Police said a 20-year-old man from Aintree, Merseyside, was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. The man is being held in custody and being interviewed by detectives.

The game was stopped briefly while Adeyemi - on loan from Norwich - alerted referee Neil Swarbrick to the incident.

On Saturday evening, Liverpool issued a statement, saying: "Liverpool Football Club continue to work closely with Merseyside Police to establish all the facts surrounding the incident that occurred during last night's game. We take this matter extremely seriously and have today provided the police with the evidence we currently have available to us."

The incident compounds a difficult few weeks for Liverpool, who were without Luis Suarez for the match against the Oldham as the striker serves an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra at Anfield in October.

BBC

Man accused of Collymore race abuse

Stan Collymore

A 21-year-old man has been charged with racially abusing ex-Premier League star and football pundit Stan Collymore on Twitter.

Northumbria Police said Joshua Cryer, of Jesmond, Newcastle, is charged with "a Section Five racial public order offence and a Section Five public order offence". The force spokesman said Cryer would appear before Newcastle magistrates on Monday January 23.

Northumbria Police began an investigation in the early hours of Saturday after an allegation was passed on from colleagues in Staffordshire.

Collymore, 40, originally from Cannock, Staffordshire, played for a string of top clubs, including Liverpool, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. He works as a broadcaster for talkSport and campaigns against racism and is a supporter of charity the Depression Alliance.

Observer

Humberside Police Seek two EDL Members

Humberside Police are seeking two EDL members, who are wanted in connection with racially aggravated criminal damage at a takeaway in Paragon Square following the two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday.

The two men were captured on CCTV after they attended an English Defence League rally on Remembrance Sunday. It is believed the two men smashed a till at a takeaway in Paragon Square because they believed staff at the food outlet had been serving customers during the two-minute silence.

Det Sgt Cross said: “I would urge people to take a look at these unsolved case files, and, if they know who any of the suspects are, then they should contact us. We can be discrete, and understand people may need to remain anonymous.”

Do you recognise any of the suspects featured here? If so, call detectives in Hull on 01482 578025, quoting the corresponding reference number. Alternatively, e-mail officers at SPOCSCTDDiv@humberside.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Link

Hull Division's admin appear to know the identity of the two men, since this was posted on their Facebook wall.

EDL News

Thanks to everyone who sent in the link to this article and Crimestoppers

Far-right mob banished from town centre

Far-right demonstrators were marched out of Halifax by police after racist abuse was shouted at town-centre traders.

Scores of officers and dog handlers were deployed to Wards End and Horton Street on Saturday at around 5pm to deal with a mob of English Defence League (EDL) supporters on their way back from a rally in Blackburn. Protestors from factions in Halifax, Hull, Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Leeds gathered at The Courtyard pub on Wards End, hanging an EDL flag outside.

A worker at the nearby Chicken Grill House takeaway said three men had shouted racist abuse and staff at some shops were so worried they closed up. Assistants at Hot 4 U takeaway on Wards End said a fight started in the street and eight men had tried to get into their shop but police had marched them away.

Staff at the Courtyard, which was also busy with Halifax Town supporters, said the EDL demonstrators arrived just before the football fans. Most of them congregated outside and when police arrived, officers asked pub staff to ask their customers to stay inside.

“The police were trying to contain the EDL supporters,” said one worker. “It all kicked off outside. All I could see from the bar was a lot of them running down Southgate. The police thanked us afterwards for helping and I thanked them, they were really good.”

One man was arrested, it is believed on suspicion of a racially aggravated public disorder offence.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said; “A group of EDL supporters spontaneously arrived in Halifax town centre. There was no indication of any disorder before this. They were dealt with positively by police and escorted onto trains out of the area. We would like to thank the community for their assistance. We are thankful that people showed restraint and let the police deal with the situation.”

An estimated 2,000 EDL supporters had earlier gathered in Blackburn while a short distance away, a separate counter-demonstration by around 500 people was held by Unite Against Fascism (UAF). Hundreds of police, some drafted in from as far away as Cumbria, along with mounted officers and steel barriers, kept the two sides apart.

There were some skirmishes amongst supporters at the EDL rally, with one man knocked unconscious from a punch, and coins and a pint glass thrown.

Halifax Courier

Thanks to NewsHound for the heads-up

EDL supporters fined for on-train racist abuse

Three English Defence League supporters have been ordered to pay more than £350 each after being found guilty of subjecting rail passengers to serious racist abuse.

Tracey Hurley (33), Stuart Parr (28) and a 17-year old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Wigan Magistrates’ Court on 20 January for trial.

The court heard that, on Friday 25 June last year, the trio had attended an EDL march in Bradford and had been on their way home when they travelled from Manchester Victoria to Wigan on a Northern Rail service. During the journey they became abusive and intimidating, subjecting several passengers to a torrent of racist abuse.

The abuse began when the three sang songs relating to the EDL and Taliban. At Salford Crescent an Asian man boarded the train and was immediately targeted by the group who shouted derogatory remarks about Allah to the man.

PC Tony McGibbon, of British Transport Police, said: “The abuse continued for some time and was directed at anyone on board the train who the three perceived to be anything other than white British. The behaviour of the three was offensive in the extreme, completely unacceptable and made everyone on the train feel incredibly uncomfortable.”

A passenger advised a member of rail staff who reported the behaviour of the three to BTP officers. After witnesses were spoken to the three where arrested and interviewed. During interviews they admitted having been at the EDL march and drinking heavily, but denied making any racist remarks or behaving in a racist manner.

PC McGibbon added: “Despite their initial denials, there is no doubt that these three behaved in a deeply offensive manner and subjected rail passengers to unacceptable and unwarranted abuse. BTP, the rail industry, and the wider criminal justice system, takes a dim view of anyone who behaves in such a way and the sentence handed out should serve as an example and warning to others.”

Hurley, of Kingsley Avenue, Goose Green, was fined £150, ordered to pay £200 costs and a £15 victim surcharge after being found guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence. Parr, of Golborne Place, Scholes, was fined £150, ordered to pay £200 costs and a £15 victim surcharge after being found guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence.

The youth, from Ashton-in-Makerfield, was fined £150, ordered to pay £200 costs and a £15 victim surcharge after being found guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence.

British Transport Police

Five in court over EDL gathering

Five men have appeared in court following disturbances during a rally staged by the English Defence League

About 1,300 people attended the EDL action in Hanley on January 23. The group said it was staging the demonstration to protest against Muslim extremism.

A group of about 400 counter-protesters, rallied by anti-racism organisations, trade unions and Staffordshire University, held its own demonstration in the city centre at the same time. There were 600 police officers on duty, and 17 demonstrators were arrested as violence flared. Six officers were injured, vans and cars damaged and taxi services were suspended.

Yesterday, Wayne Baldwin, aged 41, of the Crescent, Hockley, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour at Hanley Forest Park. Ruth Belfield, prosecuting at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court, said the defendant was in a group of about 100 who broke away from a 300-strong group being policed at the park.

She said: "He was seen to gesture toward police officers and shouted abusive language. He says he regularly attends EDL meetings and generally remains peaceful."

The defendant was fined £180 with £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge by Deputy District Judge Elizabeth Harte. Baldwin told the court: "I am sorry for what some of the idiots did in Stoke-on-Trent and I want to apologise for what I said and apologise to the officer."

Anthony Cook, aged 22, of Shelley Road, Reddish, Stockport, pleaded guilty to a charge of displaying some writing, sign or other visible representation which was racially aggravated. The court heard that he was not a member of the EDL and had travelled down to Stoke-on-Trent with friends. Mrs Belfield said the defendant had been seen by a police officer writing a word in condensation on a bus window which was visible to the public. He was fined £100 with £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

A not guilty plea was entered by Michael Gawthorpe, aged 18, of Crofters Way, Chester, who is accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent. He was unconditionally bailed until March 15 when a trial will be fixed.

Christopher Harley, aged 24, of Bower Street, Reddish, Stockport, denied a charge of displaying some writing, sign or other visible representation which was racially aggravated. He was conditionally bailed until March 15 to fix a trial.

The Deputy District Judge declined to use her powers to deal with Mark Doel, aged 43, of Primrose Hill, Batley. Doel is charged with offences of violent disorder and assaulting a police constable. His case was adjourned until April 6 for committal to Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court and he was conditionally bailed.

The Sentinel

Nazi thugs booted out of Scotland after Glasgow gathering

The Scottish Defence League in, er, action

A rabble of English neo-Nazi thugs were driven out of Scotland yesterday after failing in their bid to stoke race hatred

Hundreds of police hemmed in the pack of racists and BNP thugs - calling themselves the Scottish Defence League - as they gathered at a pub in the centre of Glasgow. The drunken mob left the Cambridge bar on Cambridge Street and moved to the city centre at noon where they were confronted by around 30 protesters shouting, "Nazi scum off our streets".

Speaking to a 1500-strong counter-demonstration, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "These people have no right to be heard. Our right as ordinary, decent citizens is not to have to listen to the vile hatred spouted by these people. Our message to them is clear - we will not have it in Glasgow and we will send you packing from every corner of Scotland.

A police helicopter circled as the SDL mob - many hiding their faces with hoods, masks and scarves - chanted Rule Britannia and No Surrender and brandished Scottish flags, Union Flags and Ban The Burka placards.

The Sunday Mail revealed last month that members of the notorious English Defence League - who have caused violent scenes around the UK - planned to march at Glasgow's Central Mosque under the SDL banner. But their plans were thwarted by a massive operation involving hundreds of officers from Strathclyde Police and British Transport Police.

Three men were arrested - including one for a racially-aggravated breach of the peace.

Daily Record

Thug jailed for racist remarks in Newcastle

Roaming the streets and hurling vile abuse, he thought he was untouchable. But today racist thug Paul Grainger is in prison after his hate-fuelled campaign finally caught up with him.

Grainger was caught on camera trying to kick in the door of a mosque in Newcastle’s West End as he brandished a Union flag and St George’s Cross. With his pet bulldog in tow, he hurled abuse at the 400 Muslims inside, who were praying on the holiest night of the Islamic calendar.

The jobless 40-year-old was let off with a fine for that offence but Newcastle Magistrates’ Court heard details of two fresh tirades.

On the first occasion, he followed a black man, walking with his wife. Melinda Blackburn, prosecuting, said: “He was saying, ‘Go back to your own country. Newcastle is for whites’. He than spat at the injured party. Many members of the public were present. The victim arrived at the bus stop by Eldon Square and an unknown female stepped in to try and stop him but it was unsuccessful. Moments later, officers attended and were flagged down by a bystander, but even when they arrived, he still continued.”

The court heard Grainger’s racist rant continued while he was being arrested and taken to Pilgrim Street Police Station. He spat in the face of the PC dealing with him.

Grainger was given a community order for the racially-aggravated offence and assaulting a police officer. Despite that, months later he was up to his old tricks again, this time on Blackett Street, also in Newcastle city centre.

He spotted a group of girls standing with some men of African origin. Ms Blackburn said: “He saw the victims and approached them, using racial remarks. They were offended by it as they knew the comments were directed at them and they feared for the safety of their friends.”

Grainger, who now lives in his mother’s house on Eleventh Avenue, Stobhill, Morpeth, was arrested and went on to plead guilty to using threatening words or behaviour, which were racially aggravated.

The court was given details of his racist track record and took into account he committed the fresh offence in breach of a community order. And after hearing details of another offence of criminal damage, in which he hurled a paving slab through an off-licence window, he was jailed for four months.

Lewis Pearson, defending, said: “He fully admits he has racist views. That in itself is not illegal. But he has to hold those views in private.”

His jailing came after his previous offence, which took place at the mosque, in Newcastle’s West End. Then living on Campbell Place, Elswick, he staged his racist rampage during the month of Ramadan. Hundreds had packed the mosque from 8.30pm and planned to pray until 6am the following day. But they were disturbed by a drunken Grainger. When police arrived, they saw him standing with his dog and flags and shouting abuse.

Chronicle Live

Landlord's fury over race-hate allegations

A pub landlord has hit out after being arrested on suspicion of committing a racially-aggravated public order offence.

Police swooped on Peter Mailer's premises, the Black Bull Hotel in Warkworth, last Tuesday, following a formal complaint over newspaper clippings, political cartoons and other items displayed on his bar-room walls.

Mr Mailer, who admits he is an active supporter of the British National Party, was hauled into Alnwick Police Station, along with the cuttings, where he provided a taped interview under caution.

He has now been bailed to return to the station on December 23, when he will learn whether or not the Crown Prosecution Service will charge him. But the 52-year-old publican said he was stunned to learn that the complaint had been made by an off-duty senior police officer from Nottinghamshire, who was on holiday in the region when he paid a visit to the Black Bull the previous Friday night.

Mr Mailer said: "This chap was in with a friend and their respective wives for a drink, and I had a chat with them. It was their first time in Northumberland. There was absolutely nothing said about the so-called racist items on my wall. About 90 per cent of them were clippings taken directly from national newspapers. On Tuesday two Northumbria officers turned up and arrested me, took everything off the walls and I had to go to the station to give a taped interview."

He added: "It seems that this senior officer had to justify his fat salary by rocking the boat in a sleepy little village hundreds of miles away from where he lives. I've had this pub three years, it's full of regulars of all political persuasions who don't have an issue with what I put on my walls."

Asked about his political views, Mr Mailer said: "I don't hide the fact that I am a supporter of the BNP, but I don't force it down peoples' throats. If I am asked who I politically support, then I will say so. I don't make a big issue of it.

"I'm all for law and order, more active policing and less paperwork, priority and more support for the UK residents in general and a harder line on illegal immigrants, but I am not a racist. I have Asian and Arab friends and employees, including the manager of my new business in Harrogate, who is a Muslim. I don't have an issue with race, just with spongers travelling half way round the world to abuse the system we currently have in this country."

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: "A 52-year-old man from the Alnwick area was arrested on Tuesday, November 25, on suspicion of committing a racially-aggravated public order offence, and has been bailed."

Northumberland Gazette