Irish teenager who hurled racist abuse at Ian Wright after losing a Fifa match is spared jail

A teenager who sent Ian Wright a torrent of vile racist abuse after losing a game of Fifa has been spared a criminal conviction.

Patrick O’Brien, from Ashleigh Downs, Tralee, in Ireland, sent a chain of 20 messages to the former England and Arsenal player, 57, on Instagram.

The horrific abuse included a string of racial insults and in one message, he wrote: ‘You’re like a 65 year old. If I get corona I will cough in your face and give you your death sentence. If I see you I will put you on your death bed.’

Patrick O’Brien (right), 18, covers his face as he arrived at Tralee District Court for sentencing after racially abusing footballer Ian Wright

The teenager sent a chain of 20 messages to the former England and Arsenal player (pictured) on Instagram

The 18-year-old had bought the former striker as a ‘legend’ in the computer game’s Ultimate Team mode.

It allows gamers to assemble a dream team using football players from different clubs to play against others online.

Iconic players from the past, such as Wright who retired from football in 2000, can be bought with real or virtual money in the popular computer game. 

O’Brien flew into a wild rage after losing a game in which he had selected the computerised version of Wright in his team, prompting him to send the abuse to the real life ex-footballer.

The horrific abuse included a string of racial insults after O’Brien had lost a game of Fifa in which he had selected Wright

After receiving the messages, Wright, who is now a prominent pundit often featuring on Match of the Day, screenshotted the abuse and shared it with his followers.

He said at the time: ‘I know I’m not meant to look at them but these messages still hit me so hard man. 

‘This is a child!!! This kid has a direct line into me and is able to send this without any worry.’ 

After his messages were exposed, O’Brien deleted his various social media accounts.

The teenager pleaded guilty to two charges of harassment and sending offensive messages by phone. 

At a sentencing hearing at Tralee District Court on Wednesday, Judge David Waters said ‘he didn’t see anything to be gained’ by imposing a criminal conviction.

Defending lawyer Patrick Mann said the teenager had a ‘rush of blood to the head’

He noted O’Brien has shown genuine remorse for his actions and had donated 500 Euros to the Irish Network Against Racism out of his own volition.

He said the language used was reprehensible, but it was the unthinking behaviour of a naive, immature, young man.

He noted that O’Brien had written a fulsome apology to Wright, which was accepted by the former footballer, who forgave his abuser.

Defending lawyer Patrick Mann said O’Brien’s actions were caused by a ‘rush of blood to the head’ and he had never been in trouble with the police before. 

Wright said in an impact statement at court, according to The Sun: ‘Emotional, very shook with the intensity. I have experienced racism years ago but I am in complete shock to experience it now and am very disappointed. 

‘Patrick, I forgive you. I believe there is redemption for everyone. I hope that you and also those who either taught you or enabled this hate will learn from this and change for the better.’