An Everton fan has been handed a ban for shouting racist abuse towards Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and mocking the Heysel Stadium disaster.
Everton fan Joel Barwise shouted abuse when Salah’s name was announced ahead of the Merseyside derby clash at Anfield on October 21. He also made gestures to taunt fans about the disaster at the 1985 European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus in which 39 people died.
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Barwise, 26, admitted the charges at Sefton Magistrates’ Court. When asked why he had shouted racial abuse and mocked the disaster, he said: “Because I’m an idiot.”
His actions were described as “disgraceful” by senior crown prosecutor Angela Conlan, who said: “Joel Barwise no doubt thinks of himself as a loyal Everton fan but his actions bring shame to his club. He made fun of a tragic football disaster and shouted racist abuse when a key Liverpool player’s name was announced.”
Barwise, of Bentham Drive in Childwall, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to racially or religiously aggravated harassment causing alarm or distress by words or writing. He was fined £500 and fine and handed a three-year stadium ban.
Liverpool went on to win the Premier League clash against Sean Dyche’s side, with Salah scoring both goals. The Egypt star converted a penalty in the 75th minute before rounding off the game with a stoppage time effort.
Barwise will start serving his suspension and will be able to return to stadiums in 2027. Meanwhile, Liverpool will attempt to defend their two-point lead at the top of the Premier League when they meet Bentford on Saturday. Relegation-threatened Everton will come up against Crystal Palace on Monday.
