Stoke City fan hit with three-year ban for racially abusing Mario Balotelli

A Stoke City supporter has been banned from attending football matches for three years after hurling racial abuse at Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

Terence Jones was hit with the sanction after it had come to light that the 36-year-old had shouted "monkey" and "you're dirty, get a bath" at the Italy international during Stoke's 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium in September.

Leanne Jones, prosecuting, told North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court: "The racial chants started about 15 minutes into the game, he was shouting 'monkey' and 'black bastard' believed to be aimed at Mario Balotelli.

"He was also heard shouting 'where's your mother?' a reference to the footballer being adopted. This lasted about 40 minutes until, about five minutes into the second half, the defendant was arrested."

Jones has also had his season ticket seized.