Boy, 15, punished after admitting racially abusing Sheffield United's ex-Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster online

A 15-year-old boy has been placed on an educational programme after admitting racially abusing Rhian Brewster, the Sheffield United striker, on Instagram.
Sheffield United striker Rhian Brewster: Leila Coker/PA Wire.Sheffield United striker Rhian Brewster: Leila Coker/PA Wire.
Sheffield United striker Rhian Brewster: Leila Coker/PA Wire.

Brewster, the former Liverpool youngster, highlighted the racist message last year and South Yorkshire Police launched an investigation, which was later handed over to forces in West Yorkshire and Staffordshire.

Read More
Where Sheffield United finish in predicted Championship table, compared to Middl...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"A 15-year-old male from the Wakefield area was interviewed under caution in relation to an allegation of sending a racially-aggravated malicious communication that took place on March 17, 2021,” a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said.

"The male admitted the offence and, following consultation with the victim, it was concluded the matter was suitable to be dealt with by way of an educational input to deter future behaviour of this kind."

Police consulted with Brewster before deciding what punishment to hand out to the teenager, who is from Wakefield and was interviewed under caution after an allegation that he sent a racially-aggravated malicious communication to the Blades’ record signing, who is currently recovering from injury.

Brewster admitted in an interview last year that “you can’t escape” racism.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“What do I want to happen about it? I've already said, in football I want to see bans happening,” Brewster added.

“But in everyday life, I just want more education on it. Even to the older generation. Sometimes they don't know and if they're feeding it to their children or younger people, then it's going to keep going on. So it might have to start in the older generation and work its way down.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.