A MEMBER of the security staff at the League One match between Accrington Stanley and Wigan Athletic was racially abused by an away fan after he told him to climb down from a barrier.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Gary Buckley had a previous conviction for pitch invasion and imposed a three year football banning order.

Buckley, 52, of Billinge Road, Wigan, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening behaviour towards Mohammed Asad Amin.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 75 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

Andrew Hey, prosecuting, said the victim had been working as security at the Coppice Terrace, the stand which houses away supporters at Stanley's Wham Stadium, on September 18, 2021.

At the end of the match which the Latics won 4-1, Buckley climbed up onto the pitch side barrier.

A fellow steward was trying to persuade Buckley to get down and Mr Amin went over to assist.

“He did eventually get down but as he did he shouted racist abuse at the security man,” said Mr Hey.

He said as well as the previous conviction for pitch invasion Buckley was awaiting sentence at the crown court for an offence of affray.

Buckley, who was not represented, said he didn’t agree he used the exact words quoted by the prosecution but accepted he was guilty of the offence.

He said he accepted he would get a football banning order.