A fan who made a monkey gesture when an opposing striker scored against his English Premier League team has been handed a three-year football banning order.

Liam Jones, 22, was given an 18-month conditional discharge after he admitted causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress while watching his team Sunderland lose to West Brom at the Stadium of Light in November.

Sunderland lost the game 4-2 and Jones, from East Vines, Hendon, was photographed in the stands making a monkey gesture towards the Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku who had just scored.

As the player was snapped leaping in celebration after his goal, Jones could be seen out of his seat, in a grey flat cap, shouting at the West Brom striker with his hands cupped towards his armpits.

He later told reporters he was doing a “chicken dance” and pleaded not guilty to the charge when it came before Sunderland magistrates.

A trial had been due to take place next month but at a hearing last week Jones entered a guilty plea. Court officials have confirmed he was handed a three-year football banning order and an 18-month conditional discharge.

After the case, Chief Superintendent Steve Neill of Northumbria Police, said: “Racist behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated and Northumbria Police will fully investigate any reports made to us.

“We know people who are responsible for these actions are part of a small minority and would continue to encourage anyone who sees this kind of behaviour to report it to us and help us rid football of any racism.”