A black law student who hurled vile abuse at Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka has avoided jail after insisting he was not being racist.
Following Arsenal’s defeat to Nottingham Forest in May last year, Suhel Ali posted an audio message on social media calling Saka, 23, a “f***ing black piece of s**t" and a "f***ing monkey."
The 20-year-old second-year law student at City University also called the defender the N-word.
Ali, of Wembley, North London, admitted sending an offensive message by public communication network at Westminster Magistrates Court. He received a 12-month conditional discharge with £111 costs.
Suhel Ali received a 12-month conditional discharge with £111 costs
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Westminster magistrates chair Kieran O’Donnell told Ali: “Your lawyer said your intention was not to be racist, but whoever heard it would have heard racial abuse. But you are of previous good character. You have no previous convictions. You are remorseful."
Saka starred in the 3-1 victory for Mikel Arteta’s north London side over relegation favourites Southampton with the 23-year old providing the assist for Kai Havertz’s equaliser just minutes after the Saints went ahead.
Less than 10 minutes later, Saka was once again setting his team-mates up, this time with Gabriel Martinelli hitting the back of the net.
The English international picked up his second league goal of the season in the last moments of the match, taking Arsenal up to third in the Premier League.
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Arsenal's Bukayo Saka was subject to racist abuse
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He is set to star for England against Greece at Wembley tonight.
Saka spoke about the feeling he gets when walking out in front of the Emirates Stadium with the captain’s armband as being something that leaves him "speechless."
He told CBS Sports after the match: "That's one of the things where I become speechless when people ask me. Everyone knows my journey, where I came from. To take the captain's armband, walk the lads out at the Emirates Stadium. I can't put it into words."
Saka continued: "I've always thought Kai's an unbelievable player. Everyone in the dressing room did too. We're so happy that he's showing that. This season he has come out with even more confidence, I think he's scored in almost every game."
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka scores their side's third goal of the game during the Premier League match at the Emirates
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"[Havertz] is going to score a lot of goals this season. He has a really good understanding around the box, when to attack it, and that's why he gets a lot of chances and that's why hopefully he'll score a lot of goals."
Arsenal return to face a team on the south coast after the international break away to Bournemouth, who have struggled to find form this season.