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A disgraced Villa fan has been banned from football matches for three years for giving a Nazi salute to rival supporters.

James Doyle made the “deeply offensive” gesture to followers of Spurs – a club famed for its Jewish following – during a Boxing Day match at Villa Park last year.

The 22-year-old was the second Villa fan to appear in court this week over anti-Semitic abuse at the game. On Monday, Terry Douglas, 31, of Mincing Lane, Rowley Regis, was fined £290 for branding an unidentified Spurs player a “Jewish c***” during the away side’s 4-0 win.

Birmingham Magistrtates’ Court heard that Doyle, 22, of Rymond Road, Hodge Hill, was arrested after being spotted by a police officer giving the Nazi salute when Spurs scored one of their goals.

He admitted committing a religiously aggravated public order offence.

District Judge Jan Jellema handed him a three-year football banning order along with a £155 fine and costs.

“It is a serious matter which I must approach in that way,” he told Doyle.

“Though you may well have been going along with others at the time, you now understand how deeply offensive your behaviour was to others.

“I think you accept, with that realisation, what could have been the consequences in terms of it being the catalyst to an aggressive response. And, of course, that can spill over into wider spread violence in the crowd and beyond.”

David Devine, prosecuting, said: “Tottenham Hotspur are famed for having a large following from the Jewish community.

“Spurs managed to score a goal and the defendant, along with others, took offence at this. Mr Doyle’s response was to raise a Nazi salute.”

The court heard Doyle, a driver’s mate, initially denied making the salute when he was questioned by police.

But the next day, he voluntarily returned to a police station to admit his actions.

Indy Bhomra, defending, said: “He told his father it was in the heat of the moment and other people were doing it so he did it.

“His father told him to be a real man, go to the police station and tell them the truth. He is gutted to be in court for this offence. He simply got caught up in the moment.”