A football fan who waited over an hour outside court for an autograph from Paul Gascoigne has had the signature permanently TATTOOED on his ribs.
Reiss White, 25, waited to meet his idol at Dudley Magistrates Court where the ex-England ace admitted making a racist joke about a black security guard.
The former Tottenham and Newcastle midfielder, who has battled an alcohol addiction, posed for selfies with waiting fans outside the court on Monday (19/9).
Superfan Reiss, who was working nearby, rushed to Dudley, West Mids., and waited for over an hour after he heard Gascoigne would be appearing.
He managed to grab a quick minute with a Gascoigne, 49, who shook his hand and even agreed to sign his ribs.
Incredibly, Reiss then went and got the signature permanently tattooed on his torso at Mad Dog Tattoos in Tamworth, Staffs on Monday evening.
Today (Thur), the Birmingham City fan, who lives in Tamworth, said: “I’ve never had the chance to meet him.
“I heard on the radio he was going to be at the courthouse just a few miles away from my work so I left and waited just over an hour for him to arrive.
“I never get starstruck but because I had gone specially to see him I was a bit overwhelmed. I was shaking so bad I couldn’t get my phone out properly.
“But then because he was so easy to speak to we just chatted normally.
“He was the most humble person ever. He was there for court but still had time for his fans.
“He told me my tattoos on my back of three lions and the St. George’s dragon were really nice.
“Gazza was laughing saying it was normally women who asked for their body to be signed.
“And when I told him I was going to have his autograph tattooed he laughed and said I was mad and his friend said: ‘You must really like this guy’.
“He’s had so much bad publicity it was good to see him happy and smiling.”
Footy-mad Reiss, who regularly attends tours to see England in World Cups and European competitions, also took to Facebook to share snaps of his new tat and his selfie with his hero.
He added: “I remember watching Gazza scoring a great goal against Scotland in 1996 and I have idolised him since.
“I’ve read all his books and I idolise the guy and I had to make this moment last forever.
“But I don’t condone what he’s done at all.
“Racism has no place in the 21st Century, football or today’s society as a whole.
“He should have been careful what he was saying but he needs people around to remind him he is a good person and I hope he sees my tattoo and realises that people are still proud of him.”
Gascoigne had previously denied making the “insidious” racist joke during ‘An Evening With Gazza’ show on November 30 last year.
But he admitted using “threatening, abusive or insulting” words or behaviour to cause racially-aggravated harassment, alarm or distress on Monday.
The court heard he picked on black security guard Errol Rowe who stood in a corner of the stage and told the audience he “could not tell if he is smiling.”
Gascoigne, who gave his address as Alton Road, Poole, Dorset, was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay Mr Rowe £1,000 in compensation.
He was also ordered to pay £500 in prosecution costs and a £100 government surcharge.
District Judge Graham Wilkinson told the former England star to “grow up” and “keep your mouth closed”.
