A 36-year-old man has been given a three-year football banning order for racially abusing Garath McCleary in Reading's FA Cup quarter-final clash against Bradford City earlier this year.
The incident occurred in the 42nd minute of the match at the Madejski Stadium when McCleary took a corner and was subjected to abuse from a man in the away end.
The man was arrested at half time, and at his trial earlier this week he was found to be guilty of one count of causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress which was racially aggravated and directed towards McCleary.
As a result, the 36-year-old was issued with a three-year football banning order and a six-week custodial sentence, suspended for a year, by a district judge at Reading Magistrates' Court.
PC Richard Hester of the Thames Valley Police said in a statement: "Thames Valley Police would like to praise the match officials and Reading Football Club safety staff, who reacted very quickly to this incident and reported it to the police. Their action led to the offender being arrested during half time.
"A thorough investigation was then conducted by Thames Valley Police and I would like to thank all officers and staff who helped to secure this conviction.
"The Force would like to thank the victim, Garath McCleary, for the professionalism he has shown throughout this matter. I hope this conviction will bring Garath some sense of justice."
Reading reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup last season.
Simon Sinclair
