Arsenal fan guilty of hurling vile racial abuse at OWN player Thomas Partey – but claimed he was just being ‘sarcastic’
AN ARSENAL fan has pleaded guilty to racially abusing star midfielder Thomas Partey – but claimed he was only being sarcastic.
Charles Ogunmilade, 28, admitted racially attacking the Gunners’ Ghanaian midfielder with a “grossly offensive” message after Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with Southampton last year.
The post, on Elon Musk’s X platform, were sent moments after £50m midfielder Partey, 31, spooned a 30-yard wonder-strike effort over the crossbar.
His shot followed Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard scoring to rescue a critical point in the title race with two goals in the last two minutes of the match.
Recruitment consultant Ogunmilade, of Romford, Essex, spoke only to confirm his name, age and plea.
Prosecutor Rami Amin said: “During the evening of April 21, 2023 there was a Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton.
“This featured a player for Arsenal called Thomas Partey.
“This defendant posted a comment on the Twitter platform.”
The court heard the content of the post, which The Sun is not repeating, meant the offence was aggravated because of the racist language used.
Padma Panigrahi, defending, insisted the vile remarks had been made in jest.
The solicitor added: “My client has advised me that he and his friends communicate on Twitter.
“He and his friendship group mimic what white, racist football hooligans say.
“That’s why it was in inverted commas – they were basically being sarcastic.
“That’s what a white football racist would say in that situation.
“He’s very remorseful, that’s why he’s admitted it in an interview and co-operated with the police.
“His family are in Nigeria.”
The court heard Ogunmilade would contest a football banning order, which is typically applied to cases involving the sport.
He is likely to be handed a community order.
Head magistrate Margaret Orgill JP told the football fan: “As you know, we need a probation report.
“If you commit any offence while on bail, you will get a more severe punishment.
He was granted unconditional bail to appear for sentencing at City of London magistrates’ court on November 26.
Ogunmilade made no comment when approached by The Sun outside court.
Arsenal were asked to comment.
The club previously demanded an investigation into a vile troll who posted a racist image of England hero Bukayo Saka, 21.
And last month law student Suhel Ali escaped jail after calling world-class winger Saka offensive terms in a voice note on X.