Brentford players defend security guard from racial abuse

Brentford players Kevin Schade and Vitaly Janelt were identified in court as having intervened in an altercation in Richmond this past March to defend a Nigerian security guard, Israel Ilesanmi, from racial abuse.

According to proceedings at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court, 63-year-old David Wheeler approached Ilesanmi after consuming approximately seven cans of beer, questioning his presence with remarks such as, “You are not English. Why are you here? What are you looking for?”

When the players intervened, Wheeler reportedly directed xenophobic insults toward them. The confrontation resulted in Wheeler sustaining a black eye. While Wheeler initially denied using racist language, he changed his plea after being informed that a 999 emergency call had recorded his insults. Wheeler claimed he acted under duress and suspected the security guard was monitoring the area for criminals, an argument rejected by Deputy District Judge Luis Williamson.