A RACIST man who abused Reading FC's Garath McCleary has been slapped with a three year Football Banning Order.

Andrew Docherty hurled abuse at the Royals' winger in the 42nd minute of the FA Cup quarter final replay between Reading FC and Bradford in March.

The winger had just gone up to take a corner when he heard the abuse coming from Docherty, who was sitting in the away end of the Madejski Stadium.

Docherty, of Longlands, Bradford, was immediately arrested by Thames Valley Police during the half time interval of the match, which ended in a victory to the home side.

The 36-year-old appeared at Reading Magistrates' Court on Tuesday December 1, and was convicted by a district judge of one count of causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress which was racially aggravated and directed towards Garath McCleary, following a one day trial.

Docherty was given a six-week custodial sentence, suspended for a year the following day, and he is barred from attending football games for three years.

Investigating officer, Police Constable Richard Hester of the Thames Valley Police Football Operations team, said: “Thames Valley Police would like to praise the match officials and Reading Football Club safety staff, who reacted very quickly to this incident and reported it to the police. Their action led to the offender being arrested during half time.

“A thorough investigation was then conducted by Thames Valley Police and I would like to thank all officers and staff who helped to secure this conviction.

“Thames Valley Police take this sort of vile behaviour very seriously and we will look to obtain Football Banning Orders against those committing crimes at, or in connection with football matches. I hope this sentence will act as a deterrent to the small minority who look to cause trouble at football matches.

“The three year Football Banning order prevents Docherty from attending any football match in England and Wales, and also requires him to surrender his passport when the England national team is playing matches abroad.

“The Force would like to thank the victim, Garath McCleary, for the professionalism he has shown throughout this matter. I hope Docherty’s conviction will bring Garath some sense of justice."