Two men who sent anti-Semitic tweets following a London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham have been fined a total of more than £1,000.

Stephen Escott and Adam Pearson appeared separately at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court this morning. Both pleaded guilty to sending malicious communications.

Both men are West Ham supporters and were arrested following Spurs’ 3–0 defeat to West Ham at White Hart Lane on October 6, 2013.

The court heard that after the game Escott, 65, said on Twitter: “I’ve never seen the Yids leave the grounds so quick. Well f**k me, you would have thought they had turned the gas taps on.”

Before passing sentence, District Judge Perkins said: “I am taking into account that you deleted the message as soon as you realised it was offensive.

“It does, however, show the attitude you have, which is totally offensive to anyone of a reasonable good nature.”

Escott, who is on benefits, was ordered to pay a fine of £300, £85 victim surcharge and £60 in costs.

Pearsons, 23, from Hampshire, pleaded guilty to sending a similar tweet.

His message read: “We can stop them. The Yids from Tottenham, the Yids from White Hart Lane.”

The 23-year-old told the court he was deeply embarrassed and sorry for any offence he caused, and that he removed the tweet as soon as someone complained about it.

He added that he does not consider himself a racist or anti-Semitic person.

Judge Perkins said: “You have never been in trouble with the police before and you admitted the offence at the earliest opportunity.

“But your message did cause offence and would have been very distressing for anyone reading it.”

Pearson was ordered to pay a £400 fine, £100 victim surcharge and costs of £85.