A CHERRIES fan is believed to be the first supporter to be banned thanks to the club's anti-racist text hotline, after incidents at two home games.

Jeffrey Nicholson, 43, of Milton Road, Charminster, received a three-year ban from all domestic and international games and was fined £350 for racially aggravated harassment, and for displaying the Ulster Volunteer Force flag on another occasion.

The order, which was made at Bournemouth Magistrates Court last month, is a direct result of AFC Bournemouth's texting campaign, which encourages fans to text police and stewards in the ground anonymously to report racist behaviour.

Several witnesses contributed to Nicholson's ban.

The first charge related to trying to incite rival fans at a home game against Oldham, while the latter charge - an offence under the Terrorism Act - was committed at a home game against QPR.

Cherries' chairman Peter Phillips said: "I think this is a good example of how schemes like this can work.

"As a Football club we are determined to do all we can to stamp out any violence or racist abuse. One of the problems, particularly for incidents of racism, is getting sufficient evidence to identify culprits and take action.

"This enables people sitting close by to the culprit to identify them and provide evidence without exposing themselves to risk. As far as I know this is the first time we have had enough evidence to take someone to court.

"We would urge fans to use it if they feel the need."

The idea, which was suggested by Cherries fans, started last October during Kick Racism out of Football Week. It has since been taken up by other football clubs.

First published: September 2