Two Southampton supporters who shouted anti-Semitic abuse at a group of Jewish Tottenham fans have been banned from attending matches for three years and handed community orders.
Thomas Flynn, 22, of Yeovil Chase, Harefield, and Michael Hayden, 23, of White Hart Lane, Cadnem, shouted the abuse at away fans at the Premier League match at St Mary’s Stadium on December 19.
Southampton Magistrates' Court heard the Spurs fans saw Saints supporters making “fascist salutes” in their direction during the match along with making noises imitating the sound of a gas chamber.
Flynn and Haydon admitted making missing sounds towards the Spurs fans but denied making the hand gestures and salutes.
The Jewish Chronicle reported Haydon was arrested inside the ground while Flynn was detained outside the stadium.
A third man was allegedly said to have directed Nazi-style salutes at the Jewish supporters, but he was not found or arrested.
Jane Hiatt, defending Haydon, said he was “horrified and ashamed” at his behaviour and Nicola Attwood, defending Flynn, said her client was “disgusted with himself”.
Both men were handed a football banning order for three years and each given 12-week community orders, during which they must adhere to an electronically monitored curfew between 8pm and 5am.
Both were also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service at the hearing on Thursday, January 7.
Southampton FC has been contacted for comment.
