Sunderland fan in big trouble after sending shocking abuse to NUFC player - Disgraceful

A Sunderland man has been found guilty of sending racial abuse to Newcastle United youngster Ivan Toney - shocking behaviour that has seen him sentenced to 12 months community service, 120 hours of unpaid work and a £170 fine.

Ironically, it was claimed earlier this month that Sunderland were trying to sign the 22-year-old on loan this summer - so this won't do their chances of pulling off that deal any good.

The racial slur was sent to Toney on Twitter in December 2017 - whilst he was out on loan at Wigan - and the man in question has since pleaded guilty after appearing in court.

'Kick it Out' - who work to tackle discrimination in football - have released the following statement, thanking Northumbria Police for their support in identifying the man guilty of the racist tweet:

"We applaud Wigan Athletic for notifying both Twitter and the police. Discriminatory abuse is no less unacceptable when it is carried out on social media, and this shows that however and wherever this occurs there is no hiding place.

“However, it also proves that there is still a lot of work to be done in and around the game to tackle discrimination and educate offenders.”

Disgraceful stuff and good to hear that he's received his comeuppance - although some will argue whether community service, unpaid work and a small fine is enough?