University bans student who mocked Muamba

Liam Stacey, 21, was suspended from Swansea University yesterday having already served a jail term for racially aggravated public disorder.

University chiefs have imposed a full suspension on the final year biology student until the end of the academic year.

It includes a blanket ban on setting foot on the university campus over the same period.

Exceptionally, Stacey will be allowed to sit his final exams, as an external candidate, next year, one year late.

However he will not be allowed to sit them at university and, if successful, will not be invited to a traditional graduation ceremony.

Back home in Pontypridd after his release from jail, Stacey continues to suffer the after effects of his drunken behaviour.

He triggered revulsion when he posted “LOL (laugh out loud). F*** Muamba. He’s dead!!!”

The tweet appeared as doctors fought to save Muamba’s life and his plight was touching hearts around the world.

The Bolton Wanderers midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur on March 17.

Millions watched the match live on TV and were horrified when Muamba collapsed.

While prayers were being said for him worldwide a drunken Stacey turned to his Blackberry to post his tweet.

When that message attracted a barrage of criticism he replied with a series of racist tweets.

Stacey made a public apology on Monday night in a BBC Wales interview.

University chiefs said yesterday that there was no place for racism at Swansea University.

A spokesman said: “The university would not normally make public the outcome of any disciplinary proceedings, but in this case we are doing so with the agreement of the student.

“The student concerned remains suspended for the remainder of this academic year and is not allowed to return to campus, but he will be given the opportunity to sit his final exams as an external candidate next year at another venue and, if successful, to graduate in absentia.

“He will remain excluded from the campus. Swansea University deplores racism and has policies in place to ensure equality for staff and students.”

He added: “We take the actions of this student very seriously, which is why he is no longer part of our campus community. We are mindful that he has been given a prison sentence and therefore has already paid a price for his actions.

“He has expressed genuine remorse and we are satisfied that he understands that his behaviour was unacceptable, and damaging to the university. Given the sanctions he has already faced and the contrition he has shown, and that he is a final year student, we have taken the exceptional decision to allow him to sit his exams.”