A TEENAGER who admitted racially abusing Irish footballer Tyreik Wright has been ordered to pay £500.
As well as the compensation, the 17-year-old boy — who cannot be named for legal reasons — must pay prosecution costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £22.
He has also been handed a 12-month referral order and a restraining order for 12 months.
"I hope this case sends an important message out that racist abuse will not be tolerated," said Israr Habib of the CPS.
"CPS West Midlands is working closely with the West Midlands Police Force Football Unit and their dedicated Hate Crime Football Officer to ensure that individuals who commit these types of offences are brought to justice."
Posted further racist comments
The teenager posted the racist abuse on social media in February this year when Wright, now 20, was on loan at Walsall from Aston Villa.
Both clubs described the abused received by the Cork-born star as "abhorrent".
When challenged by members of the public, the teenager posted further racist comments.
The matter was referred to the police and the teenager was arrested.
He initially denied any wrongdoing but later admitted the offence and was charged with a single count of sending a grossly offensive message by public communication network.
No room for racism
"There is no room in the game, nor elsewhere, for racism," said Elizabeth Jenkins of the CPS.
"Where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest, we will prosecute such cases and seek an increased sentenced on conviction.
"Hate crimes such as these have a massive impact on players and their mental health.
"The CPS takes this kind of offending very seriously and this case shows that where offensive content is reported to the police we can successfully bring offenders to justice."
