A Nigerian Arsenal fan banned and fined for racially abusive post about Thomas Partey despite satirical intent
An Arsenal supporter has been handed a three-year football banning order after posting a racially abusive message about Thomas Partey on social media, despite claiming the post was meant as satirical commentary on racism.
Charles Ogunmilade, 28, admitted to posting the offensive message on X (formerly Twitter) following Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with Southampton on April 21 last year. The court heard that after Partey missed a chance, Ogunmilade posted: “Nah, when Partey skied that shot I actually screamed you dirty black cunt.”
Prosecutor Suleman Hussain explained that the post was reported to the police, prompting officers to visit Ogunmilade’s residence. Describing the interaction, Hussain said, “The defendant appeared stunned and [the officers] could see he was afraid because his eyes had widened and his eyebrows became arched and became dumbfounded.”
Ogunmilade reportedly told officers that the post was intended to be sarcastic and shared within a private friendship group that often mimicked racist comments to highlight their absurdity.
Representing himself in court, Ogunmilade, who is of Nigerian descent, provided further context for his actions. He explained that he and his friends had been impacted by the racism faced by black England players after the Euro 2020 final, saying: “Our coping mechanism was to make fun of it, to limit the power these people have over you.”
He expressed concern about the implications of the banning order, particularly its requirement to surrender his passport during England’s away matches. He noted how this might interfere with his career and his ability to visit family in Nigeria. “I am not a racist person,” he emphasized.
Magistrate Shaoni Myer acknowledged Ogunmilade’s early guilty plea, his prior good character, his personal circumstances, and his intention for the post to be satirical. However, she ruled that a conditional discharge was not appropriate, stating: “We really have no choice.”
Ogunmilade was fined £125, along with a £50 surcharge and an £85 contribution to prosecution costs.
