Hate crime appeal after abuse aimed at disabled football fan

Police want to speak to the man in this picture following reports a disabled football fan was mocked at a match.

The incident in question reportedly happened inside the City Ground after Nottingham Forest’s tie with Ipswich Town.

When the final whistle was blown, witnesses reported seeing an away fan aim abuse at a disabled Forest supporter sat behind him in the Bridgford Stand.

The individual reportedly started banging on the glass that separated them in a bid to try and antagonise the fan, while also appearing to mock his disability.   

Police were later notified about the abuse – which happened around 5pm on 30 November last year – and are currently treating it as a hate crime incident.

An image can now be released of someone police would like to speak to in connection with the incident, with officers suspecting they could be a resident from or around the Suffolk area.

PC Rose Barton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“While we appreciate this individual is not likely to be local due to him being sat in the away end, we’d encourage anyone who recognises him from this appeal to come forward.

“Likewise, we’d urge the man in question to do the right thing and make himself known to us, as we’d like to ask him a few questions and believe he could assist our inquiries.

“We have shared this appeal with our colleagues at Suffolk Constabulary and are currently working with both football clubs as part of our investigation.

“There is absolutely no place for hate in any of its forms in our communities – whether that’s inside a football stadium or out on the streets.

“This kind of behaviour simply will not be tolerated by Nottinghamshire Police.

“We’d ask anyone who has any information to report it to Nottinghamshire Police by calling 101, quoting incident 203 of 30 November 2024, while it can also be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”