Football fans hurl racial abuse at train passenger

One member of the group of 
between ten and 12 male supporters had an air horn which he sounded several times after getting on the train from Sheffield to Retford.

Police say they “were rowdy and boisterous throughout the journey, singing and shouting football songs” after getting on the 22.44 service at Sheffield on August 13.

PC Richard Ward of British Transport Police said: “When they alighted the service at Kiveton Bridge, they began banging on the train windows; one man then pulled up plants from the station and threw them at the train.

“The same man is then alleged to have racially abused a passenger on-board the train. As the train departed the station a number of other unknown items were also hurled at the train.”

British Transport Police have launched an investigation and are reviewing CCTV and taking witness statements.

Mr Ward said: “We would like to hear from anyone who was travelling on the service, or was at the station who may have witnessed the incident. We would also like to trace the man who was abused on the train so we can offer him support for what must have been a horribly unpleasant experience.

“We take all allegations of anti-social behaviour, racial intolerance and football-related disorder on the rail network very seriously.

“Staff and passengers, as well as law-abiding fans, are entitled to travel on trains without having to worry about the actions of a small minority of people who fail to conduct themselves properly.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference B4/NEA of 23/08/13.