Arsenal Fan Banned Three Years For Throwing Banana At Gareth Bale

An Arsenal supporter had his day in court this morning, about a month after hurling a banana at Tottenham star Gareth Bale during the North London Derby. I guess that's racial progress?

Bananas are usually aimed at black players, but Bale's supposed resemblance to a monkey has been a running joke, especially among Gunners fans. So he found himself the target of 23-year-old Thomas Flint of Enfield, London, during the March 3 match, which was won 2-1 by Spurs with Bale scoring a goal.

Flint was caught on camera throwing the banana, and pleaded guilty in court. And it sounds like it was a very North London sort of hearing:

The court heard that he was a regular at games and on the day was seen shouting: "Fuck off, come on then you cunts," at Spurs fans.

Flint's solicitor, Christopher Wright, said: "He really has no particular interest in life other than football."

The hearing had to be adjourned for five minutes while a waiting defendant was removed because he kept laughing and shouting out comments.

Flint was banned from attending matches for three years, and fined a few hundred bucks. Arsenal have already announced that he'd be banned from Emirates Stadium for life.

[ Independent]