Club statement | March 31

Swansea City welcomes Friday’s verdict that has seen an individual who posted disgusting racist abuse towards Michael Obafemi handed a three-year football banning order.

Josh Phillips sent the vile remark via social media on January 28, following the striker’s loan move to Burnley.

Swansea Magistrates Court today sentenced Phillips to a 12-week jail term, which is suspended for 18 months, while the three-year banning order forbids him from attending any home or away fixtures, as well as any Wales international fixtures.

The banning order also prevents him from travelling abroad to watch international friendlies, qualification matches and tournaments.

The club would like to thank South Wales Police for their assistance throughout the investigation, and also praise the bravery shown by Michael in speaking about the impact it has had on him earlier this month.

We hope that today’s verdict sets a strong precedent for anyone who commits such offences in the future, and that the severity of sentence will help in the process to eradicate such abhorrent behaviour within football and society.

We remain sickened by the appalling language used in the offending posts and the individual in question does not represent Swansea City or the values of our club and community.

There is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind in society or football, and both Swansea City and Burnley will continue to support Michael.