Dons fan arrested for throwing banana at referee (From Sutton Guardian)

AFC Wimbledon fan arrested for throwing banana at referee in 'not racist' incident

11:10am Friday 25th January 2013 in Sport By Omar Oakes

A pensioner was arrested last night after allegedly throwing a banana at the referee during an AFC Wimbledon football match.

Racism was ruled out by police as the nature of the incident, which happened during the first half of the Dons’ 2-2 draw with Port Value on Thursday evening.

A 74-year-old man was arrested at the match, but was later released on bail to report to police at a later date.

Bananas thrown at players was an established form of racist behaviour by fans since the 1980s, most famously with Liverpool and England legend John Barnes.

But this incident appears to be motivated by a supporter who was angered by a decision by the referee, who is white, according to football intelligence officer Sam Cunningham.

Police had used television footage to review the incident during last night’s game, which was shown live on Sky Sports.

Striker Jack Midson had given AFC Wimbledon a 2-0 lead before Port Vale fought back to earn a 2-2 draw.

Despite heavy snow in the last week, fans and volunteers worked hard with shovels, brushes and wheelbarrows to ensure the game at Kingsmeadow went ahead.