TWO teenage friends who posted vile racial abuse to Newcastle United striker Sammy Ameobi on Twitter have received final warnings from the police.
The 17-year-olds were arrested in November after the fan favourite was called a “n*****” on the social networking site.
It is understood one youth made the initial comment and his friend followed it up with a supportive tweet which also contained racist abuse.
The decision not to prosecute the pair was taken after consultation with Mr Ameobi – the younger brother of fellow United striker Shola – and the football club.
Both youths admitted their involvement and accepted final warnings at a Northumbria Police youth surgery.
They were spoken to by a senior police officer and warned of the consequences if they reoffend. Wendy Williams, district crown prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service North East, said: “The CPS understands the serious nature of racist crime and the real and lasting effects it can have, not just on individuals and their families, but also upon communities and society as a whole.
“Our policy is to prosecute racist and religious crime fairly, firmly and robustly.
“In deciding what constitutes fairness for such cases, the views of the victim themselves are incredibly important.”
She said a final warning was appropriate given the previous good character of the two youths involved.
Superintendent Gillian Mitchell said Northumbria Police will not tolerate racist behaviour “of any kind”.
She added: “Such criminal activity is totally unacceptable and as this incident demonstrates, we will seek to arrest anyone who carries out such crimes, however, they are committed, and bring them to justice.”
A Newcastle United spokesman said the club was “pleased to note the action taken against the two youths”, adding: “The club takes such matters extremely seriously.”
CPS North East also issued a further warning. Ms Williams said: “What many people fail to realise when posting information on social media is that the information is then in the public domain and can be viewed by anyone.
