A teenager has been banned from football matches for three years after making racist gestures towards a player during a local derby match
He was at the local derby between Cambridge United and Peterborough United last November. Asplen was in the front row when he made monkey gestures towards Ricky-Jade Jones, a black player.
He initially told Jones to get up after a tackle, then crossed the line with his actions. Asplen pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offense in court. He was fined £100 and received a Football Banning Order.
Cambridge United’s CEO, Alex Tunbridge, condemned Asplen’s behavior. He emphasized that such actions do not represent the club’s values. The club has been working with the police since the incident.
Detective Sergeant Matt Lauch praised the public for reporting Asplen’s actions. He stressed that football should be a safe space for everyone.
Both clubs are committed to creating an inclusive environment. They will consider further sanctions against Asplen after the ban. The message is clear: racism has no place in football.
