Schade and Janelt confronted drunk racist who abused guard, court told | OneFootball

Brentford’s Kevin Schade and Vitaly Janelt confronted and fought off a drunk man who racially abused a security guard, a court heard.

The altercation happened in Richmond at about 2am as the players travelled back from a goalless draw at Leeds.

Wimbledon Magistrates' Court was told the pair stepped in to defend Israel Ilesanmi, a Nigerian security guard. David Wheeler, 63, was left with a black eye.

The court heard Wheeler had drunk seven cans of beer and said he suspected Ilesanmi was acting as a lookout. He filmed him and used racist slurs, telling him he was not English and asking why he was there.

When Schade and Janelt intervened, Wheeler also directed aggressive racist language at them, referencing their German nationality.

He initially denied using racist language and did not plead guilty, then changed his plea after being told a 999 recording captured his words.

Wheeler claimed he had been assaulted and had his phone taken, said his memory was blurry and that he had not realised Ilesanmi was working as security. He argued he was under duress, but the judge said that defence requires a very high bar.

He was fined a month’s wages, £1,699, and ordered to pay £150 compensation to Ilesanmi. The judge said alcohol made the offence more serious, though noted some remorse.

Source: Hounslow Herald

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