Ban for Man Who Made Nazi Salute at AFC Wimbledon vs MK Dons Game
Alan Strank can't go to a match for next three years
Alan Strank
A man who made a nazi salute at the game between AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons earlier this year has received a three year ban from all football grounds.
42-year-old Alan Strank of Guildford, Surrey made the racist gesture at the Cherry Red Records Stadium towards MK Dons supporters on 9 April this year.
There is a history of animosity between fans of the two teams because the Milton Keynes based team were formed by the relocation of the former Wimbledon FC.
Strank, appearing at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 3 November, pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated offence under Section 4 of the Public Order Act.
In addition to the three year football banning order, he will have to undertake 50 hours of unpaid work in the community and pay a £180 fine.
The court heard that during the match, which took place at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on 9 April, Strank was seen making a Nazi salute towards the away supporters.
The incident was not reported on the day but an investigation was launched after a thorough post-event review of all body-worn and CCTV footage.
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.”
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November 3, 2022