The Tottenham fan charged with throwing a banana skin at Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has insisted he is not racist.
Averof Pantelli, 57, a van driver from Norwich, claimed he found the banana skin on the ground at the Emirates Stadium and hurled it without thinking of the racial implications.
The incident happened after Aubameyang's 10th-minute penalty which gave Arsenal an early 1-0 lead in Sunday's north London derby.
Father-of-three Mr Panteli, said he reacted after Aubameyang appeared to goad the visiting Spurs fans as he celebrated his goal.