Police release footage of 19 year old Cambridge fan caught on CCTV making “monkey gestures” at Peterborough player Ricky-Jade Jones.
Ryan Asplen has been banned from matches for three years after his arrest at the Peterborough United vs Cambridge United at the Weston Homes Stadium, where he was removed by stewards from the League One fixture on the 9th November 2024.
The moment was seen clearly on camera, Asplen in the front row making the gestures after Peterborough’s Ricky-Jade Jones was tackled and fell to the ground.
A @CambridgeUtdFC fan was caught making “monkey gestures” towards @theposh‘s Ricky-Jade Jones during a match last year.
The 19-year-old admitted committing a racially aggravated public order offence and has been handed a Football Banning Order.
More 👉 https://t.co/CEYhmLMvGS pic.twitter.com/k18hCEANpC
— Cambs Police 💙 (@CambsCops) January 21, 2025
POLICE STATEMENT:
A teenager who was caught on CCTV making “monkey gestures” towards a Peterborough United player has been banned from attending football matches for three years.
Ryan Asplen, 19, was arrested at the Cambridge United v Peterborough United game at the Weston Homes Stadium, in London Road, Peterborough, on 9 November last year, after being removed from the match by stewards.
Asplen was in the front row when Posh attacker Ricky-Jade Jones was tackled and fell to the ground where he remained for several seconds, with Asplen gesturing for him to get up, before making monkey gestures.
Asplen, of Bush Close, Comberton, near Cambridge, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Friday (17 January) where he pleaded guilty to committing a racially aggravated public order offence and was handed a three-year Football Banning Order (FBO) and fined £100.
The order states he is banned from attending any football match within the UK, and when a match is held outside of the UK, he must report to a police station and surrender any travel documents, such as a passport.
Other conditions also apply in relation to personal circumstances such as police being informed of any change in address.
Any breach of the order may result in imprisonment, a fine or both.
Detective Sergeant Matt Lauch said: “Through joint working with partners, including both clubs and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), we were able to take swift action and put Asplen before the courts.
“I would like to thank the two members of the public who reported this via the Posh text service after seeing it while watching the match on television.
“I hope this sends out a strong message – football matches should be enjoyable and safe events for families to attend, as well as for the players, and behaviour such as this will not be tolerated. We will seek to prosecute where offences have been committed and implement FBOs were appropriate.”
CEO for Cambridge United, Alex Tunbridge, said: “Cambridge United condemns the actions of this so-called supporter in the strongest possible terms. He does not represent the club. We have been working with the police since the game and completely support the implementation of his three-year Football Banning Order.
“We are a family club which works hard to create an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome. We will not tolerate any actions from anyone who seeks to jeopardise this, so we will be considering additional club sanctions following the conclusion of this Football Banning Order.”
CEO for Peterborough United, Dawn Gore, said: “The football club does not tolerate this abhorrent behaviour and believes this verdict sends out a strong message. We are pleased that the individual concerned not only was identified but has received a lengthy stadium ban.”
Social media users had their say with the 19 year old Cambridge fan caught on CCTV making “monkey gestures” at a Peterborough player…
@matt_pufc: Well done, there’s no room for racism at all.
@karlos_1991: 3 years is not enough of a deterrent.
@Gray67Ma: Why is his face blurred out? He is 19, so he can be identified.
@JackRslims: Good. Dumb f&ck.
@AndyCricket100: Disgusting from this @CambridgeUtdFC idiot. I’m surprised the club haven’t already banned him for life but they say they are “considering further actions” FFS just ban him for good. #pufc
@david_reed: A £100 fine 🤯
@LeeChap8: Another one who had one too many Lemonade’s and acted up in front off his pals. Silly boy. Actions have consequences. He’s let down some off his pals too really, who travel length n breadth off country for this club. Hope they had a strong word with him.
@Possum_Badger: Disgusting behaviour and an embarrassment to society. Good riddance.
@JamesJa68388518: should be a lifetime ban
@Fleetwood_Zach_: Fantastic work 👏 Scum
@cknnr17: Three years isn’t long enough. Should have a lifetime ban for racial abuse. Belongs nowhere near our club
@CianHayes_szn: Great job 💙🤍🧡🖤 no room for racism
@theposhSLO: Thank you to everyone who acted swiftly in this matter. This type of behaviour has no place in our society.
@theWycombeWay: Hardly a strong message. Racially abused someone, slap on the wrist, £100 fine and can’t watch football for a few years.
@ibboryan: Should be a lifetime ban
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