Middlesbrough fan banned for making 'monkey gestures' at Blackburn footballers

A Middlesbrough supporter has been fined and issued with a three-year football banning order after appearing to make 'monkey gestures' towards three Blackburn Rovers players.

Ernest Goult, 72, was found guilty of two public order offences, one racially aggravated, at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Lee Williamson, Rudy Gestede and Markus Olsson gave evidence during the one-day trial, which focused on the incident that occurred during the 1-1 draw at the Riverside Stadium in November.

Mr Goult denied that he intended to express racial hatred when he raised his left hand and went "one-two, one-two" after meeting eyes with Gestede.

The accused explained that it was an "old Teesside gesture", which meant "you're under the arm of the pit".

The court fined Mr Goult £600, with £600 costs.