TWO brothers have been banned from all English football grounds for three years after racially abusing a steward.

The Macclesfield Town official was abused by Stoke City fans Brendan and Anthony Lockett, 36 and 34, both of Sandon Road, Stoke, at a pre-season friendly last July.

They were found guilty of racially aggravated harassment and fined £200 with £400 costs by Macclesfield magistrates.

Insp Gareth Woods welcomed the sentence.

He said: "This sends out a very clear message that racism in any form will not be tolerated anywhere in Macclesfield.

"Racial abuse is offensive to many people and can provide a flashpoint for trouble to start. This is especially true in a highly-charged atmosphere, such as at a football match. Anyone who indulges in this type of behaviour can expect to be arrested."

Macclesfield Town's chief executive Patrick Nelson said: "We agree with the sentence because it is unacceptable to racially abuse anyone."

A Football Association spokesman said: "We are fully supportive of banning orders for anybody guilty of violent or racist behaviour at football matches."

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