A man who was arrested after racist abuse was shouted at two Leeds United players has been summoned to appear before court.
Steven Patterson, 66, from Bishop Auckland, Durham, was arrested on suspicion of causing racially aggravated harrassment, alarm, or distress, after racist abuse was allegedly shouted at Leeds United players Ethan Ampadu and Largie Ramazani. This took place at Elland Road at Leeds' match against Sunderland in February.
He has now been summoned by postal requisition to appear before Leeds Magistrates' Court on October 17, 2025.
West Yorkshire Police said: "A man has been summoned to appear at court following a racially-aggravated public order incident at the Leeds United v Sunderland match on Monday, 17 February.
"Steven Patterson, 66, of Stranton Street, Bishop Auckland, Durham, was arrested on suspicion of causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress and has now been summoned by postal requisition to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court on 17th October. "
A statement from Leeds United Football Club said: "Following Leeds United’s 2-1 Sky Bet Championship victory over Sunderland AFC at Elland Road on Monday 17 February 2025, Ethan Ampadu and Largie Ramazani were subjected to racial abuse from an individual in the away section as they left the pitch.
"West Yorkshire Police have today confirmed a 66-year-old male, from Bishop Auckland, Durham, was arrested on suspicion of causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress and has now been summoned by postal requisition to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court on Friday 17 October.
"Leeds United Football Club, Ethan Ampadu and Largie Ramazani would all like to thank West Yorkshire Police for their support in this matter. There is no room for racism in football or society. The club will be making no further comment."
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