A football fan, who initially claimed he was waving to someone, has been fined more than £300 after admitting making a Nazi salute towards Spurs supporters.

Newcastle United fan Shay Asher, 24, admitted the racially aggravated offence of causing harassment during a Premier League game at St James’ Park in October.

Rehana Haque, prosecuting, told Newcastle Magistrates’ Court when the former Royal Engineer was challenged by a steward in the stadium, “his face dropped and he quickly ran off towards the exit”.

An image of the incident was shared by police and Asher, of Gibside View, Winlaton, Gateshead, handed himself in to police.

During an interview with officers, Asher initially denied the offence but later wept and said he felt ashamed.

Mrs Haque said a woman in the home crowd saw a man perform a Nazi salute with his finger over his mouth to make a moustache and heard him say he wanted to fight Tottenham fans.

The prosecution read out a victim statement from a Spurs supporter who said the gesture was clearly intended to harass fans of the club which is known to have a strong Jewish support

Dementia research: Ex-professional footballers at risk from headers wanted for brain study

Cowboys will still be in football – but the game might be getting a new sheriff

Independent football regulator set for football amid warning delay could be ‘catastrophic’ for the game

The statement added: “It is an incredibly offensive reminder of what humanity is capable of.”

Alanna Wesencraft, defending, said it was an isolated incident and that Asher got swept up in what was happening in the game and knew he had acted inappropriately.

He was fined £200, with £85 costs and a £34 surcharge.

Northumbria Police will apply for a football banning order, which the defendant opposes, and the issue will be back in court in July.

Asher was bailed to stay away from sporting venues in England and Wales in the meantime.

Related posts:

Prince Philip set to remain in hospital into next week When might I finally be able to book a foreign holiday? Here are the key dates to watch What were the missed opportunities to stop Manchester Arena bomber on night of attack? Lib Dems deal major blow to Tories with by-election win Almost all of UK’s COVID cases are Delta variant, says PHE Man arrested after teenager riding e-scooter dies following hit-and-run FTSE 100 and pound dip as COVID fears overshadow ‘freedom day’ Man jailed for 25 years in Dubai over cannabis oil ‘hoping and praying’ for release ‘Right and proper’ that MPs are accessible to the public, says Patel UK records 148 more COVID-related deaths and 43,423 cases, latest daily figures show Rafiq fights back tears as he says he faced ‘constant uses of the word p***’ Second departure from No 10 as PM’s spin chief quits – and Sunak piles on pressure over Savile comments