Wolves fan Jamie Arnold guilty of racially abusing Rio Ferdinand at Molineux

A Wolves fan is set to be sentenced ahead of Christmas for racially abusing TV pundit Rio Ferdinand at a Premier League game at Molineux.

Jamie Arnold hurled racist gestures at the former England defender during the Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United fixture in May 2021. The 33-year-old from Stone, Staffordshire, was ejected by stewards and then promptly arrested by officers.

An investigation led by dedicated West Midlands Police football hate crime officer Pc Stuart Ward uncovered clear CCTV and strong witness evidence to support the case. However, Arnold denied a charge of racially aggravated public order and went on trial before Wolverhampton Crown Court this week.

He was found guilty after a jury came back with a unanimous verdict and will be sentenced on 8 December. The fixture was the first with fans at Molineux following the CoVID pandemic.

Arnold was previously banned from games for three years after being found guilty of hurling homophobic abuse and making gestures which mimicked disability during the same game. He was also ordered to pay almost £900 in fines and court costs.

Pc Ward - who was appointed the UK’s first dedicated hate crime officer within a football unit - said: "Abusing anyone for the colour of their skin is disgusting and can never, ever be condoned. Arnold is old enough to know such appalling behaviour is inexcusable and certainly won’t be tolerated.

"I know from personal experience how being a victim of racism hurts while offenders risk their own aspirations through getting a criminal record. I would like to thank Rio for his assistance in this investigation. Through his support we’ve ensured a man has this conviction to his name."

Anyone who has been a victim of a football-related hate crime, or has information about an offence, can contact West Midlands Police via the Live Chat service on their website or by calling 101.