Arsenal fan banned for throwing banana at Gareth Bale

An Arsenal fan has been banned three years from soccer matches for throwing a banana at Tottenham forward Gareth Bale. Thomas Flint was accused by a judge of

An Arsenal fan has been banned three years from soccer matches for throwing a banana at Tottenham forward Gareth Bale.

Thomas Flint was accused by a judge of "disgraceful behavior'' for hurling the fruit at Bale, who is white, as he took a corner kick. Flint also swore at Tottenham fans during the Premier League match at White Hart Lane on March 3.

District Judge Rebecca Crane told Flint at a magistrates' court on Friday that he allowed his passion for soccer "to boil over into hostility for a single player and the opposing team. It could have boiled over into violence.''

Flint was also fined $385.

Arsenal previously said it would ban for life the fan found guilty of the offense.