Barrow man sentenced for racially abusing premier league footballer

A man from Barrow has been sentenced after sending racist messages to a premier league footballer on social media.

25-year-old Harry Brown targeted Fulham player Rodrigo Muniz after the striker scored goals in two matches against Liverpool.

North Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard how on 14th December 2024, Brown sent direct messages to Mr Muniz stating ‘f** slave’ and ‘hope your family gets hurt’.

Then again on 6th April 2025, he sent messages which stated ‘hope your family dies’ followed by a monkey emoji and another message which stated ‘slave’.

Brown pleaded guilty to two malicious communications offences.

He was handed a three-year football banning order and ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work.

Chief Inspector Kim Brown from Cumbria Police condemned the racist abuse sent, and commended Mr Muniz for his strength to speak out.

In a statement Fulham FC said: "Rodrigo Muniz and Fulham Football Club are extremely thankful for the work and support from the Premier League, UK Football Policing Unit, Cumbria Police and the Metropolitan Police from the moment the online racist abuse was reported last season.

"Today's sentencing sends a clear and strong message that abuse in any form will not be tolerated. This also serves as a reminder that online abusers could face serious consequences and that there is no protection or hiding place for people posting hateful comments.

"With the support of external services and agencies, we are increasingly able to pursue those who engage in online abuse and hold them to account.

"Through our longstanding inclusion campaigns and efforts, Fulham Football Club will continue to do its part to create a welcoming environment for everyone.

"We will always take appropriate action, either through our internal processes or via the appropriate statutory bodies where a criminal offence has been committed."

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