Arsenal Fan Faces Jail for Racial Abuse Directed at Bukayo Saka

A law student who directed racist abuse at Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is now facing the possibility of a prison sentence. Suhel Ali, a 20-year-old Arsenal supporter, targeted Saka on social media following the team’s loss to Nottingham Forest on May 20, 2023. The defeat ended Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes, allowing Manchester City to claim the championship.

Ali posted an audio message on X (formerly Twitter), in which he used deeply offensive racial slurs against Saka. In the recording, Ali referred to the England international as a “f***ing black piece of s**t,” used the N-word, and called Saka a “monkey.” His comments appeared to stem from frustration over Arsenal’s loss, with Ali also stating that Saka was “the s***test winger I’ve ever seen at my club.”

Ali, a law student at City University in London, admitted to sending the offensive message. His identity was quickly traced, with assistance from his mother, who provided the police with access to his email and IP address.

During his appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Ali claimed in a police interview that his outburst was a result of anger after the match. His lawyer, Robert Moxon, argued that Ali, like Saka, has Nigerian heritage, and said the slur was intended as an “offensive” remark rather than a “racial” one. When questioned by the judge about the use of the term “monkey,” Moxon explained that Ali meant to insult Saka by implying he was “dumb.”

Ali has been released on bail until his sentencing on October 8. District Judge Briony Clarke has stated that, while no decision has been made yet, a jail sentence remains a possibility for Ali’s actions.