A DEVON man has been imprisoned for the racial abuse of staff and the assault of two police officers at an Old Trafford FA Cup clash.
Aaron Saunders, of Higher Furlong Road near Exeter, appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
On Monday, Saunders was arrested at Old Trafford during the game between Manchester United and Aston Villa.
He was charged with and admitted to two counts of racially aggravated behaviour and to two counts of assault of an emergency worker.
He was imprisoned for 22 weeks and given a six-year football banning order.
This is the minimum football banning order for someone who is sent to prison.
PC Matt Ford, of GMP's Specialist Operations Unit, said: "Attending a football game should be an enjoyable experience and people who behave like Saunders on Monday night take away from it, discouraging law-abiding fans from attending, especially young families.
"I hope this swift action reassures football fans and those who work in the industry that Greater Manchester Police and the justice system take this issue seriously and take steps to prevent it."
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