Normally it would be in context with another word , for example fat b-----d or skinny r--t , to me neither would bother me . It is just my opinion we have got too sensitive , I think if this happened at a rugby match people would just laugh it off .
Was 'Fat Northerner' his twitter name ? or is that what you are calling him ? to me calling someone fat is just as bad as any racist/homophobic remark , and if someone called me fat I would take it with a pinch of salt ! Along with health and safety this country has gone made , perhaps it's time...