West ham fan Harry Goater, from Billericay, was caught on CCTV during the game in May.

Harry Goater, of Devereux Way in Billericay, appeared at Thames Magistrates Court yesterday charged with racially aggravated public disorder.

On May 3 at West Ham’s Upton Park stadium, Goater was filmed on CCTV making the salute and other abusive gestures to rival fans.

The 20-year-old was eventually identified and arrested on May 27.  

He was then charged on October 10 and banned from all West Ham or England football matches.

Dressed in a grey suit and tie, Goater pleaded guilty to the single charge and was ordered to pay a fine of £277, a £28 victim surcharge fee and £85 in court costs.

Representing Goater, solicitor Mr Pearson said: "Since the age of 10, Harry had been attending West Ham matches with his grandfather.

"He is completely ashamed of his behaviour in that he raised his right hand below his nose and extended his arm.

"In a moment of madness, he decided to copy the man next to him and made the very brief gesture which lasted a matter of seconds."

Goater appeared alongside two other West Ham season ticket holders.  

Stuart Sims, 24, of Field End Road in South Ruislip, and Lee Vass, 25, Ashburton Road in Ruislip, were also accused of a racially aggravated public order offence during the same match.

The court heard how the two friends shouted anti-Semitic abuse at Spurs fans during the same game.

They both deny the charges and have been banned from attending any football matches until their trial at Stratford Magistrates Court on March 19.