No hatred charge for fan who flung banana

A soccer fan who flung a banana in the direction of Manchester City player Gael Clichy during a friendly against Limerick FC at Thomond Park last August is not to face an incitement to hatred charge.

Following a Garda investigation, the DPP has directed the matter be brought before the district court as a summary matter, rather than on indictment to the circuit court under the Incitement to Hatred Act 1989.

A person convicted of incitement to hatred in the circuit court could face a maximum penalty of fine of €10,000 and two years in jail.