A FOOTBALL fan who hurled racist abuse at a goalkeeper has been banned by his football club.

Disgusted fans and officials heard Eastleigh Football Club fan Martin Lombardi shout foul language towards Ebbsfleet United keeper Nathan Ashmore during a match in April. So incensed, members of the crowd reported the 59-year-old to police who prosecuted the Spitfires fan.

Appearing at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, Lombardi admitted one charge of using threatening words, behaviour or language to cause caused harassment, alarm or distress.

The rant at Mr Ashmore, a former Gosport Borough Football Club player, came during Eastleigh FC’s loss to Ebbsfleet in a National League match last season.

Chasing a top-half finish, Eastleigh conceded an 82nd minute goal to Ebbsfleet as they lost 1-0 at the Silverlake Stadium.

A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service Wessex said since the incident was flagged up by fans, Lombardi had since been banned from attending Eastleigh FC fixtures.

However, the court heard that as Lombardi, of Wakefield Road, Southampton, had shown “considerable remorse”, a universal football banning order would not be put in place.

Following his conviction, the club said in a statement: “Eastleigh FC are an inclusive football club and have a zero tolerance to racial abuse.

“We have worked closely with the authorities to ensure this matter has been dealt with.

“Along with supporting the police, we have conducted our own investigation within the club and have dealt with the matter internally.”

Lombardi was fined £650 and ordered to pay £600 compensation.

He was also told to pay £300 costs and £65 victim surcharge.