Man Sentenced for Racially Abusive Messages to Footballer

A 25-year-old man has been handed a sentence for sending hateful online messages targeting a Premier League player, including vile racial slurs and death threats against the footballer’s family.

Incident Details

Harry Brown, from Barrow, directed his abusive comments at Rodrigo Muniz, a forward for Fulham, following his impressive performances against Liverpool in the seasons of 2024 and 2025.

Brown’s messages included phrases like “hope your family dies,” accompanied by a monkey emoji, and derogatory terms referring to Muniz as a “slave.” He pleaded guilty to multiple counts of malicious communications at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court. As a result, he has been issued a football banning order lasting three years and mandated to complete 150 hours of community service.

Judge’s Remarks

In court, District Judge Philip Holden condemned Brown’s conduct, stating, “Rodrigo Muniz Carvalho deserves to perform his profession without threats, racial abuse, or threats to his family.” He emphasized that Brown’s actions represented a troubling embrace of racist tribalism.

The court was informed that after Muniz’s goal during a 2-2 match at Anfield in December 2024, Brown had attacked him with threats and slurs, stating that he wished harm upon Muniz’s family. The abuse continued after Fulham’s victory over Liverpool in another match on April 6, where Brown again resorted to racial insults.

Victim’s Response

Following the second wave of abusive messages, Muniz took action by documenting the offensive communication and alerting his club and local authorities. Prosecutor Diane Jackson revealed that Brown was apprehended at his workplace, Barrow Magistrates’ Court, where he was employed.

Muniz expressed his deep disappointment in a statement, describing himself as “disgusted and offended” by the messages, particularly highlighting the racial implications of using a monkey emoji alongside the term ‘slave.’ He added that the threats made against his family were “grossly offensive.”

Defense attorney Trystan Roberts stated that Brown is now “utterly ashamed” of his actions. He characterized Brown’s behavior as a result of momentary emotional distress but acknowledged it was an inexcusable error.

Organizational Reactions

Fulham Football Club issued a statement applauding the ruling, asserting that it sends a potent message against all forms of abuse and reminds individuals that reckless online behavior can lead to serious legal repercussions.

Ch Insp Kim Brown of Cumbria Police denounced the disgusting nature of the comments made by Brown, asserting that such actions should not be tolerated, and reminded that anonymity online does not shield individuals from accountability.

This ruling underscores the serious consequences of racial abuse in sports, reinforcing that such behavior is unacceptable in any form.