Ian Wright says ‘naivety and immaturity’ are no excuse as he blasts soft justice for vile teen who racially abused him

IAN Wright has said "naivety and immaturity" is not an excuse for racism after the teen who racially abused him escaped a criminal conviction.

Patrick O'Brien, from Tralee, Ireland, sent vile private messages to the former England striker on Instagram last May after he lost a Fifa game on PlayStation.

The teen flew into a rage after he downloaded the former Arsenal forward as his legend on the game - but lost a match while playing as him.

O'Brien was handed probation at a sentencing hearing at Tralee District Court today.

He pleaded guilty to harassing Wright on May 11 last year, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against The Person Act 1997, and sending a message by phone that was grossly offensive, obscene and menacing.

Wright today said he was "disappointed" with the Judge's decision - and that "naivety and immaturity" was not an excuse for the teen's actions.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the football legend said: "This case was never about revenge, it was always about consequences for acts of racism.

I am disappointed. I'm tired. We are all tired

Ian Wright

"My forgiveness of this young man was for my own deeply personal need and desire to move forward without further anguish. I am a 57-year-old man that has experienced racism throughout my life.

"Seeing this judgment, I can only wonder what deterrent there is for anyone else who spouts this kind of vile racist abuse."

Wright added: "An individual wished death upon me because of my skin colour. No judge's claims of 'naivety' or 'immaturity' will ever be acceptable to us.

"The supposed immaturity and naivety of our attackers is never any comfort.

"So yeah I am disappointed. I'm tired. We are all tired."

His comments came after Judge David Waters said he "didn't see anything to be gained" by imposing a criminal conviction.

He noted Mr O'Brien has shown genuine remorse for his actions and had donated €500 to the Irish Network Against Racism out of his own volition.

Judge Waters said the language used by Mr O'Brien was reprehensible, but were the unthinking behaviour of a naive, immature, young man.

He noted that he had written a fulsome apology to Mr Wright, which was accepted by the former footballer, who forgave his abuser.

Wright, 57, was a prolific goal scorer and won the Premier League title with the Gunners in the 1997-98 season.

He earned 33 caps for the England national team, scoring nine international goals.

After his retirement from professional football, he became a popular pundit appearing on BBC, ITV and BT Sport.