Wimbledon fan given three-year football ban for performing Nazi salute during game

An AFC Wimbledon fan has been banned from attending football matches for three years after performing a Nazi salute during a game.

Alan Strank, 42, pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court yesterday to a racially aggravated offence under Section 4 of the Public Order Act.

Mr Strank performed the Nazi gesture to supporters of Milton Keynes Dons, the opposing team, at Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium on 9th April, the court heard.

In addition to the three-year football banning order, Mr Strank must also carry out 50 hours of unpaid work in the community and pay a fine of £180.

Police Constable James Crawley, the investigating officer, said: “Racism has no place within football, or indeed in society, and those who engage in such behaviour should be under no illusion that they are committing a crime. The consequences of that crime were clearly demonstrated today.

“Genuine football fans and players are fed up with this kind of toxic discourse surrounding the game and we will use all the policing powers available to us to stop it from happening.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism continues to report on and act against instances of anti-Jewish racism in all sports.