A YOB who chanted racist abuse at Chelsea players during Southend United’s cup tie has been banned from all matches across the country for four years.

The 17-year-old from Rochford was part of a group chanting vile taunts at players during the FA Cup replay earlier this month.

He was caught out by an off duty policeman standing behind him when he shouted abuse.

The officer told stewards who removed the teenager from the stadium. He was then arrested.

At Southend Youth Court, yesterday, the youngster, who cannot be named for legal reasons, apologised to magistrates, adding: “I realise the severity. It was not said with malicious intent.” At court, the teenager admitted shouting “you black b*****d” during the high profile match.

He is now banned from any football game in the country until 2013.

Prosecuting Ian Elkins said: “He shouted the abuse a number of times, particularly when Chelsea players were coming close to the stand.”

Mr Elkins said there were five players in the Chelsea team who were black or ethnic minority and Southend has four.

In police interview the yob admitted drinking a pint of lager before the match and said he was part of a group who were chanting.

The teenager had already been given a caution for his behaviour in March last year after becoming involved in a fight in Gillingham, Kent, following a football match.

Defending Lee Wilcockson said: “He accepts the comments made were unpleasant and inappropriate. ”

Magistrates also sentenced the teenager to a four month referral order. He is not allowed within one mile of the club on a match day or within one mile of any club in London or Birmingham.