Case adjourned during Cole racist abuse trial

Tuesday 21 Jan 2014
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Sentencing has been adjourned for two men in connection with the racial abuse of former Manchester United footballer Andy Cole on a plane.

A judge at Manchester Minshull Street Crown heard that the matter could not proceed on Monday because Irish police were not prepared to verbally disclose the previous convictions of the defendants.

Lisa Boocock, Prosecutor, said the Crown was informed that it could not receive written confirmation of their criminal records in Ireland until 29 January at the earliest.

Judge Leslie Hull adjourned the proceedings until 3 March.

Cole, 42, was returning to the UK on a flight from Dublin to Manchester on 29 December when the incident happened.

Police were called to Manchester Airport following reports that two passengers were drunk and would not co-operate with Aer Lingus cabin crew.

Lee Patrick Byrne, 28, from Dublin, and Gregory Horan, 26, of no fixed address, were arrested on landing.

Byrne pleaded guilty at Trafford Magistrates’ Court to a racially aggravated public order offence and being drunk on an aircraft. Horan also admitted being drunk on an aircraft.

Ex-striker Cole, from Cheshire, is now a club ambassador at Manchester United and has been a leading supporter of anti-racism causes including Kick It Out.

Bail was extended for Byrne, of Corduff Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin, and Horan, of Sycamore View, Castleknock, Dublin.

From Daily Mail

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"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

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