Student who aimed racial abuse at Arsenal star Saka facing jail after mum helped police
A law student may face jail time after racially abusing Bukayo Saka - publicly calling the Arsenal winger a “monkey”. Gunners fan Suhel Ali, 20, appeared in Westminster magistrates' court after uploading an audio message on social media.
The incident occurred after the Gunners had been defeated 1-0 by Nottingham Forest in May 2023.
The result secured Forest’s survival in the Premier League following a tough maiden season back in the top-flight, while Arsenal’s title rivals Manchester City were crowned champions.
Related articles Jorginho explains why Arsenal are better than Chelsea right now Arsenal learn Martin Odegaard fate as Norway doctor gives injury verdict Mikel Arteta signs new Arsenal contract in timely boost ahead of Tottenham clashAli called Saka a “f***ing black piece of s***” in the audio clip, which he posted to X, and described the England international as “the s***test winger I’ve ever seen at my club.” He also called Saka the N-word and stated: “You’re a monkey - you’re a f***ing monkey.”
Ali, who attends London’s City University, admitted sending an offensive message after the clip was played in court. He was bailed until October 8, with District Judge Briony Clarke stating: “I’m not going to sentence you today - but I’m not ruling anything out.”
Ali was tracked down via his IP address after police were helped by his mother, who spoke to officers over the phone and gave them his email address.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has represented England at their last three major tournaments (Image: GETTY)During a police interview Ali, from Wembley, said he sent the audio clip out of frustration and did not intend it to be racist, Westminster magistrates’ court heard.
The student was represented by Robert Moxon in court, with the lawyer stating that Ali was of Nigerian heritage like Saka and had said the words on the spur of the moment. He said: “He used the N-word in that tweet but he’s using that not in a racial context but in an offensive context.”
The judge then asked: “What about ‘monkey’, though?” And after liaising with Ali, the lawyer insisted that his client used the word to “suggest that Bukayo Saka is dumb”.
To which Moxon added: “He was just firing off some really stupid, offensive remarks about how a footballer played.”
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Saka made his debut for the Arsenal first-team as a 17-year-old in November 2018 during a Europa League victory over Vorskla Poltava after progressing through the club’s academy.
He has become one of the best attacking players in the Premier League under the tutelage of current Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and has bagged 59 goals and 56 assists in 229 appearances for the club.
The 23-year-old has also scored 12 goals in 42 matches for England and has represented the Three Lions at their last three major tournaments. He started every game as his country reached the Euro 2024 final in the summer.
Student who aimed racial abuse at Arsenal star Saka facing jail after mum helped police
Student who aimed racial abuse at Arsenal star Saka facing jail after mum helped police
Student who aimed racial abuse at Arsenal star Saka facing jail after mum helped police
Student who aimed racial abuse at Arsenal star Saka facing jail after mum helped police
Student who aimed racial abuse at Arsenal star Saka facing jail after mum helped police
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