Visiting football fans arrested after homophobic abuse.
Brighton and Hove Albion Football club have reported that two visiting supporters were ejected from the Amex stadium last Sunday and subsequently arrested, for homophobic abuse during Brighton and Hove Albion’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The story appeared on the club’s own website following the club and Premier League celebrating LGBTQ equality and diversity, by supporting Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign. They stated that “it is with regret that we report the ejection and arrest of two away supporters.”
Stewards moved in to remove the two individuals from the away section of the stadium after they were reported for homophobic abuse, and both were arrested by Sussex Police outside the stadium.
Chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber (above) said, “It’s both sad and depressing that once again we find ourselves having to address another situation of discriminatory abuse. Prior to kick-off, we had a huge show of support for the Rainbow Laces campaign brilliantly backed by the vast majority of people inside the stadium — and yet before the game is over, we are forced to deal with these two individuals, who think it’s okay to behave in this way. Working with Sussex Police, I’m pleased to report that once again our staff were able to take swift action, which hopefully will increase the chances of a conviction. We simply won’t stand for it at the Amex.”
“Once again, it’s very hard to comprehend why some individuals think it’s acceptable to behave in this way, but we are very clear that neither Brighton & Hove Albion, nor the wider football community, will tolerate homophobia or discrimination at any time, in any form. We would urge any fans confronted with similar discriminatory behaviour to report it immediately, either directly to a steward or via our anonymous hotline, and we will take strong action.”
As this is now an ongoing and active criminal investigation, the club will not be commenting further at this stage.
If you attend a BHAFC football match and witness an incident at the Amex, or wish to complain about extreme and unwelcome anti-social behaviour by another supporter, please alert a nearby steward or text details of your location, descriptions of individuals, and nature of the issue to: 07880 196 442. BHAFC will take action immediately.
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