Former England international defender Rio Ferdinand played inPremier League games.
Jamie Arnold accused Mr Ferdinand of racially abusive behavior during the Wolves v Manchester United match at Molineux using "threatening, abusive or insulting" language and behavior. is accused of causing aggravated harassment, admonition, or distress to May 23rd of last year.
While the prosecution began the trial of the 32-year-old on his court Wolverhampton Crown, the jury was shown a video and accused him of being racist. It was shown to be gesturing.
Ferdinand was at the game – the first time fans were back on the ground since the coronavirus pandemic began – BT said he worked as a sports television commentator. the court heard.
The former United star gave evidence from a witness box on Monday, noting the man and his "more aggressive body language" but not seeing monkey gestures or racism.
Ferdinand said the atmosphere at the ground was "cheerful" and that nearby Wolves fans "told a little joke" recognizing him on the station outside. said he did.
He agreed that the joke was "normally" in good spirits.
Ferdinand said he had noticed a handful - about four or he five - of Wolves supporters "taking things a little more seriously", notably one he said was "more aggressive". ' was added.
"Aim a little more firmly at me. It's hardened."
When asked if he was "engaged" with the man, Mr. )”
When Mr Ferdinand was cross-examined by defense attorney Andrew Baker if he saw Arnold make a monkey gesture at him, the former footballer replied "no."
He added that he did not hear the accused shouting abusive words at him. 'guessing' he gave him the 'w****r' sign, and 'pointing at him, laughing at that guy, 100 percent' as United led 2–1.
"I just go back to them and say 'reminder', just like they did to me when it was one-on-one (when the wolves scored)." } The alleged incident occurred at Wolves Molyneux Stadium (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Archives)
It has been with. Stuart Mandenedge, one of a close-knit security team of experts, said he was scanning the crowd and spotted a man early on "calling Mr. Ferdinand a fag." } He said, continuing to look at the man. ''
He warned the stewards and the man was later removed from the stand.
Lifetime Wolves supporter Mark Zamit, who won tickets to the game through fan voting, said the atmosphere was exciting.
"It was emotional because it was the first game since the pandemic and the last game the first team manager was in charge," he said. said: Because he was a United fan.
Zamit told jurors about the reaction of the male supporters two rows ahead of him, stating:
"He yelled 'Rio you f******* monkey.'"
"I was in complete disbelief. I was shocked. "I'm used to joking in football stadiums, but I've never seen anything like it before," said Zamit. "I'm embarrassed and embarrassed" by the behavior of the fans.
At the beginning of the indictment, Jason Allis said the game was supposed to be "a fun day for Wolverhampton football fans." rice field.
"He wasn't there to behave and watch a soccer game and enjoy the day."
Turning to the alleged crimes, Mr Alice said: He said:
“Prosecutors say he was clearly trying to imitate a monkey.
Jurors were played a 25-second video taken from the longer footage showing a man on the stand gesturing in the manner described.
He added that Arnold was "obnoxious early in the match" and "started throwing homophobic rants at referee Mike Dean."
Arnold, who claims Clown was drunk when he was arrested on the ground and alerted to the police, is said to have replied:
"The prosecution said this was important because it clearly admitted that the defendant was guilty of being offensive, racist, and offensive."
Arnold of Norton Bridge, near Stone, Staffordshire, has denied wrongdoing and the trial, which is expected to last a week, continues.
