Josh Taylor: Scottish world champion boxer pleads guilty to racially abusing Asian doorman

The world champion boxer called an Asian doorman a ‘gay-looking c***’

Luke Brown
Wednesday 18 December 2019 17:00 GMT
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Josh Taylor pictured after defeating Regis Prograis in October
Josh Taylor pictured after defeating Regis Prograis in October (Getty)

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World boxing champion Josh Taylor has been fined £350 after he pleaded guilty to racially abusing a doorman at an Edinburgh nightclub.

The 28-year-old appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court and pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner.

He also had a not guilty plea to possession of cocaine at an Edinburgh police station accepted by the Crown.

Police were called to The Shanghai nightclub on Saturday, after Taylor had called the doorman “a gay-looking c***” and a “big orange-looking c***”.

Taylor, 28, was arrested and charged.

Prosecutor Alistair Millar said: “The accused was within the nightclub and there was some form of disturbance.

“Security staff said the accused was clearly intoxicated and was also asked to leave the premises.

“Once outside he acted in the manner liabled and shouted “You are all sh*te doorman” and “You can’t fight for real”.

“He said [to one doorman] “Your nose ring is gay” and “You are a gay-looking c***”. He then stated [to the doorman] “You big orange-looking c***”.

Solicitor Cameron Tait, defending, said Taylor was a first time offender and left the nightclub when one of his friends was ejected for drunken behaviour.

Tait said: “Mr Taylor said he would look after his friend and he was told he must leave as well.

“He remonstrated with the door staff and advises me they were rude and aggressive. He felt a sense of frustration.”

Police officer Nigel Ross noted that Taylor was “ashamed and had apologised” for his actions.

Taylor became the unified light-welterweight champion of the world when he outpointed the American Regis Prograis in October.

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