Chelsea fan Kevin Sweeney, 61, was filmed shouting “terrorist c***” at demonstrators in London Waterloo railway station accompanied by fellow middle-aged thug Ian Beim, 57.
The pair, who both have a history of committing similar offences, both admitted racially aggravated public order offences at a hearing last month after telling protestors.
The incident took place on the day of the largest pro-Palestine demonstration in the UK since the Israel-Hamas war began and saw them tell people to “go back to their own country” and boast they were “born in this country” during their aggressive confrontations.
Westminster Magistrates Court heard the pair had been drinking heavily before they reached Waterloo on their way home after hordes of right-wing groups launched a counter-protest.
David Burns, prosecuting, said they “became abusive” towards the demonstrators and abused members of the public who began filming their tirade. They then continued to shout abuse at demonstrators who were on their train home.
Passenger James Tupper heard the defendants calling protesters terrorists, swearing at them again and telling them to “go back to your own country”.
He and others on the train began telling the pair “you can’t say that, it is racist” and urged them to be quiet, and were concerned as there were children on board.
The prosecutor added: “The defendants were drunk and continued to make remarks which were racist and threatening.”
Beim’s lawyer Tony Jacobs told the court his client is “extremely embarrassed” by his behaviour but took issue with the suggestion his client has deeply held “discriminatory beliefs”, telling the court: “I don’t know if we can say (he has) deeply held discriminatory beliefs. That is over-egging the pudding.”
The defence lawyer also claimed protesters were shouting “from the river to the sea”, which, alongside the October 7 massacre a month before, were part of the background to his “inexcusable” behaviour.
Sweeney, who has been axed from his role as secretary of Molesey Football Club in Surrey and banned from their ground, was said by his lawyer Chantel Gaber to be “remorseful” and “extremely sorry” for his “spur of the moment” remarks.
She added: “He has been punished in every possible way outside of the court.”
“He has been banned from the non-league football club (he supports) which is an important part of his social life. He has lost his job.”
“His family has been threatened and that has been reported to the police.”
It has been incredibly difficult for his partner and has taken a toll on his mental health. He has been shamed by the community.”
The court heard Beim has one previous conviction from 1985 while Sweeney has “several of a very similar nature”.
District judge Steven Jonas told them the offences were “particularly unpleasant and intimidating” and that by their guilty plea, they “accept they were racist”.
Both defendants were given a community order for a year with 200 hours of unpaid work and they must both also pay £199 in costs and surcharges.
Beim must also complete 15 rehabilitation days while Sweeney must complete 10 rehabilitation days.
