Three-Year Ban for Football Fan Over Racial Abuse of Player

A football fan has been banned for three years after racially abusing non-league striker Chris Wreh following an FA Cup match.

A football fan who racially abused non-league striker Chris Wreh has been banned from attending matches for three years. Harry Dunbar, from Fareham, Hampshire, admitted to sending Wreh a racist direct message from an anonymous Instagram account following Tamworth's FA Cup third-round defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on 12 January.

The 20-year-old supporter was later found to be behind the social media account by digital investigators and subsequently prosecuted. Dunbar claimed he had sent the message to Wreh in a moment of anger after losing a bet on the match, which Tottenham won 3-0.

The 28-year-old refused to play for National League side Tamworth following the incident. He wrote on X, external two days after the game that he was supported by manager Andy Peaks but was "disappointed" the club did not make a public statement condemning the abuse he had suffered.

Wreh, who is the son of former Arsenal player Christopher Wreh, moved to Scunthorpe United on loan in February before signing permanently for National League South side Maidenhead United a month later.

Senior crown prosecutor Gavin Sumpter said: "Harry Dunbar lost a simple bet, and in a moment of anger, chose to break the law. Dunbar's actions in personally targeting Mr Wreh with such vile and hateful language whilst hiding behind an anonymous account were inexcusable and had a significant impact on the victim."

The FA said: "We hope that this ruling sends a clear message that incidents of discrimination - whether in person or online - will not be tolerated, and that strong action will be taken against perpetrators of this unacceptable behaviour."

Dunbar was also given a 12-month community order and instructed to do 200 hours of unpaid work, increased from 150 hours due to the racial element, the Crown Prosecution Service said. He was also ordered to attend 10 rehabilitation days and pay costs of £85.

What to Read Next

Thomas Partey Granted Bail Amid Serious Rape Allegations: A Shocking Turn in the Football World
Football

Thomas Partey Granted Bail Amid Serious Rape Allegations: A Shocking Turn in the Football World

Former Arsenal player Thomas Partey faces serious rape and sexual assault charges, granted conditional bail as he vows to clear his name.

Nahyan Chowdhury Triumphs as Last Pundit Standing Champion at Wembley
Football

Nahyan Chowdhury Triumphs as Last Pundit Standing Champion at Wembley

Nahyan Chowdhury wins BBC's Last Pundit Standing, showcasing his football expertise at Wembley during the 2025 FA Cup final.

Neymar's Emotional Exit: Santos Suffers Historic 6-0 Defeat
Football

Neymar's Emotional Exit: Santos Suffers Historic 6-0 Defeat

Neymar left the field in tears as Santos faced a humiliating 6-0 defeat by Vasco da Gama, marking the biggest loss in his career.

Everton Bolsters Squad with Exciting Loan Signing of England Winger Katie Robinson
Football

Everton Bolsters Squad with Exciting Loan Signing of England Winger Katie Robinson

Everton secures England winger Katie Robinson on loan from Aston Villa, enhancing their squad for the upcoming Women's Super League season.

Tottenham's Super Cup Heartbreak: Frank's Tactical Blueprint Shows Promise
Football

Tottenham's Super Cup Heartbreak: Frank's Tactical Blueprint Shows Promise

Tottenham's dramatic Super Cup loss to PSG reveals both challenges and promise under new manager Thomas Frank.

Urgent Call for Morecambe FC Sale: Culture Secretary Steps In
Football

Urgent Call for Morecambe FC Sale: Culture Secretary Steps In

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy urges Morecambe FC owner Jason Whittingham to sell the club amidst suspension and financial turmoil.

Barcelona Secures Rashford's Registration Just in Time for La Liga Kickoff
Football

Barcelona Secures Rashford's Registration Just in Time for La Liga Kickoff

Barcelona successfully registers Marcus Rashford for the La Liga opener against Mallorca, overcoming financial fair play challenges.

Euro 2025 Knockout Stage: Who Will Secure Their Spot?
Football

Euro 2025 Knockout Stage: Who Will Secure Their Spot?

As Euro 2025 progresses, discover which teams are on the brink of securing their place in the knockout stage and who faces elimination.

Scottish Premiership 2025: Key Storylines, Transfers, and Rising Stars
Football

Scottish Premiership 2025: Key Storylines, Transfers, and Rising Stars

Explore the latest updates, key transfers, and rising stars in the Scottish Premiership 2025 season. Dive into the drama and excitement of Scotland's top football league.

Scottish Premiership 2025-26 Season Preview: Key Insights and Team Strategies
Football

Scottish Premiership 2025-26 Season Preview: Key Insights and Team Strategies

Explore the comprehensive preview of the Scottish Premiership 2025-26 season, including team strategies, key player insights, and what to expect from each club.

Fabio Sets New Global Record: Surpasses Shilton in Football Appearances
Football

Fabio Sets New Global Record: Surpasses Shilton in Football Appearances

Fluminense's goalkeeper Fabio breaks Peter Shilton's record for most competitive appearances in football history.

Remembering Joey Jones: A Tribute to the Legendary Wales and Liverpool Defender
Football

Remembering Joey Jones: A Tribute to the Legendary Wales and Liverpool Defender

A heartfelt tribute to Joey Jones, the iconic Wales and Liverpool defender, who passed away at 70, leaving behind a legacy of triumphs and memories.

Alvaro Morata Slams Galatasaray Over Contract Dispute as Loan Deal Terminates Early
Football

Alvaro Morata Slams Galatasaray Over Contract Dispute as Loan Deal Terminates Early

Alvaro Morata criticizes Galatasaray for failing to honor commitments, leading to an early termination of his loan deal. The Spanish striker is now set for a new loan with Como.

German Mentality Shines: How Germany Plans to Overcome Spain in Euro 2025 Semi-Final
Football

German Mentality Shines: How Germany Plans to Overcome Spain in Euro 2025 Semi-Final

Discover how Germany's legendary mentality and resilience aim to secure a victory against Spain in the Euro 2025 semi-final.

League Two 2025-26 Season Preview: Teams to Watch and Key Players
Football

League Two 2025-26 Season Preview: Teams to Watch and Key Players

A comprehensive preview of the League Two 2025-26 season, highlighting key teams and players to watch.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.