The offences took place between September 2020 and February 2021
A Chelsea supporter is facing a possible jail sentence after pleading guilty to seven counts of sending offensive messages over social media between September 2020 and February 2021.
Nathan Blagg, 21, pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday (October 8), with prosecutor David Roberts stating that there was a “racially aggravated” element to each of the tweets because of the “anti-Semitic nature of many of them”.
The court also heard that Blagg, who comes from Retford, Nottinghamshire, also posted images as well as tweeting and retweeting a number of offensive messages.
His tweets were originally reported by a West Bromwich Albion supporter before being investigated by the security team at Chelsea and then handed over to the police.
Maeve Thornton, who was defending Blagg explained that he had been suffering from “low moods” during the time of the offensives as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“He has got drawn into this in terms of a lack of awareness and understanding of the impact this was going to have,” she said.
“With hindsight, he now understands how wrong this is.
“He is indeed very remorseful and very apologetic and has taken steps to address his offending by removing himself from Twitter.
“There is not going to be a repeat of this behaviour moving forward.”
The 21-year-old had been arrested back in February of this year by officers from the Metropolitan Police Central Football Unit, and charged by postal requisition.
The Magistrates then adjourned sentencing until November 5 for reports to be prepared and released Blagg on unconditional bail.
Related links:
- Police close investigation into racist abuse of Liverpool players with offenders based outside UK
- Cheshire man sentenced for racist abuse of England players after Euro 2020
- Giorgio Chiellini ‘ashamed’ of Fiorentina fans’ racist abuse of Napoli players
