A man has appeared in court after being accused of targeting comedian Matt Lucas (Picture: Ken McKay/ ITV/ Rex/ Shutterstock)
A man has appeared in court after being accused of verbally abusing comedian Matt Lucas while he was on his way to a football match.
Ayub Dirie, 32, is alleged to have used homophobic language towards Little Britain and Bake Off star Lucas, who was making his way to the Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal take on Liverpool on October 27 last year in Islington, north London.
The defendant appeared during a short hearing at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, but only spoke to confirm his name and address.
Dirie, who was wearing a black coat while sitting in the dock, was also charged with racially aggravated harassment and using abusive words towards two police officers.
He was granted unconditional bail, with the case sent to Snaresbrook Crown Court for a case management hearing on January 30.
Last month Lucas spoke about being targeted several times with homophobic abuse while attending football matches.
‘I have been verbally abused twice on the way to football matches so far this season,’ he shared on X.
Ayub Dirie was alleged to have used homophobic language towards Lucas (Picture: Ben Whitley/ PA Wire)
Lucas recently spoke about his experiences being targeted at football matches (Picture: Ben Whitley/ PA Wire)
‘On both occasions I was minding my own business, head down, walking to the ground.
‘I was called “a f***ing queer c**t” by one man and another told me that “our club doesn’t want disgusting gay fans”.’
Concluding the post he wrote: ‘If you’re a player and that offends you less than wearing a rainbow-coloured armband for a couple of matches, then maybe you’re part of the problem.’
After sharing his experiences Lucas was quickly met with an outpouring of support, with many stating ‘nobody should have to face this kind of abuse’.
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