A teenager was sentenced today for sending a racist tweet to Marcus Rashford.

Justin Lee Price, 19, of Grandison Gardens, Worcester, will serve six weeks at a young offender's institution.

Kidderminster magistrates also handed him an indefinite restraining order stopping him contacting Manchester United and England player Mr Rashford directly or via social media by any means whatsoever.

The teenager pleaded guilty at his first hearing on March 17 at Worcester Magistrates’ Court, to one count of sending a grossly offensive message by public communication network.

On 11 July, 2021, after England’s defeat against Italy in the Euro 2021 Championship, Price posted a racist tweet about Marcus Rashford.

When the tweet was reported, he changed his Twitter username to avoid detection.

After his arrest, Price denied the offence in his first police interview but later admitted it in his second interview.

Mark Johnson of the CPS said: “Price targeted a footballer based on the colour of his skin and his action was clearly racist and a hate crime.

"Those who racially abuse footballers ruin the game for all.

"I hope this case sends out the message that we will not tolerate racism, and offenders will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

The CPS is currently working with the police, clubs, player bodies and organisations such as the Premier League, the English Football League and the Football Association to explain what evidence is required to charge to help clubs and the leagues protect their players by ensuring we have all the evidence we need to build the strongest case possible.

Douglas Mackay of the CPS said: “Over recent years and months, hate crimes relating to sporting events have been on the rise.

"The UK Football Policing Unit's internal mid-season report has shown a significant rise in football-related criminality compared to pre-pandemic levels.

"At the CPS, we play a crucial role in tackling these crimes and making our national sport inclusive and safe to watch. There is no place for hate in football, and hate crimes such as this has significant impact on victims.”