Police investigating after alleged homophobic chants at Brighton vs Luton

Publish date: 2024-05-23

Sussex Police are investigating following reports of alleged homophobic abuse at the Amex Stadium during Saturday’s Premier League game between Brighton & Hove Albion and Luton Town.

Homophobic chanting during the match was heard being directed at Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour, formerly of Chelsea.

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Sussex Police said after the 4-1 win for Brighton that it was aware of the incidents and dealing with them.

“We work in close partnership with Brighton and Hove Albion FC to respond to reports of homophobic behaviour at The Amex Stadium in Brighton,” Sussex Police’s football officer, Darren Balkham, said on Monday.

“Reports of homophobic abuse, racist abuse, and public order offences will be tackled and Sussex Police will seek prosecutions where reports are made to us.

“The force is investigating two reports of homophobic abuse made at the stadium on Saturday, August 12.”

In January, the FA added a homophobic chant to its list of rule breaches and says it can pursue action against clubs whose supporters who use it at matches. Last year, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that it considered the term a homophobic slur and therefore a hate crime.

(Photo: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

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