A FOOTBALL fan who made racist comments to a Kidderminster Harriers player has been banned from attending UK matches for the next three years.

Nathan Sprengel made the comments to Harriers striker Amari Morgan-Smith during the side’s clash with Alfreton Town at Aggborough last month.

The 34-year-old defendant, of Woodfield Road, South Normanton, Derbyshire, received the Football Banning Order after admitting racially aggravated harassment at Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court.

Sprengel, who was in the away end during the match, also received a £470 fine and was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £47 victim surcharge.

The abuse was reported to the referee in charge of the Blue Square Bet Conference Premier clash which Harriers won 3-1.

Shortly after the match, Morgan-Smith tweeted: “So was racially abused today when will this stuff stop.”

Both clubs were said to have “co-operated fully” with the joint West Mercia Police and the Derbyshire Constabulary investigation.

“We take the use of racist language and behaviour extremely seriously,” said Wyre Forest District Inspector Paul Crowley.

“It is completely unacceptable and, as this case shows, we will take action against offenders.

“Both clubs have co-operated fully with the investigation as, like us, they understand racism has no place in today’s game and the importance of kicking it out of football all together.”