Man convicted over racist and homophobic graffiti near Sheffield United ground
A man has been convicted after spraying racist and homophobic graffiti in several locations around Sheffield United's Bramall Lane stadium.
Peter Aird, 57, was found guilty at Sheffield Magistrates' Court after offensive messages appeared close to the football ground in September last year.
The court heard that Aird used stencils to spray the graffiti at a number of sites around the stadium. He was identified through CCTV footage and later linked to the offences after police searched his home.
Officers discovered stencils, paint and paint-stained gloves at the property. A stencil featuring the Nazi SS insignia was also found in his possession.
Aird denied responsibility for the graffiti but was convicted following the prosecution.
Matthew Rose, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said the case demonstrated a commitment to tackling hate crime. "This conviction demonstrates the CPS's commitment to working with partners to tackle racism and homophobia and to holding offenders like Aird to account," he said.
"Football is for everyone, and we remain committed to prosecuting those who seek to spread hatred and division wherever the evidence supports a prosecution.
"We are grateful to South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield United FC for their cooperation."
The offensive messages were discovered near Bramall Lane in September 2025, prompting an investigation by South Yorkshire Police.
Aird will be sentenced on 30 October 2026 and the CPS will apply for a hate crime sentencing uplift.
Scene was founded in Brighton in 1993, at a time when news stories about Pride protests were considered radical.
Since then, Scene has remained proudly independent, building a platform for queer voices. Every subscription helps us to report on the stories that matter to LGBTQ+ people across the UK and beyond.
Your support funds our journalists and contributes to Pride Community Foundation’s grant-making and policy work.
Member discussion