2 held for homophobe abuse at Brighton

TWO supporters from the away end at Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium were ejected and later arrested by the Sussex Police for homophobic abuse during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, the two clubs said yesterday.

The homophobic abuse came at a time when English Premier League clubs were celebrating the Rainbow Laces campaign which supports LGBT people, with items ranging from captain’s armbands to substitutes boards sporting rainbow colors.

Stewards removed the two fans after they were reported for homophobic gestures and the pair was arrested by the police outside the stadium.

“It’s both sad and depressing that once again we find ourselves having to address another situation of discriminatory abuse,” Brighton’s Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman Paul Barber said.

Sussex Police said the two were arrested “on suspicion of using threatening or abusive words or behavior likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress” and later released.

“The two men — aged 46 and 48, both from Bridgnorth in Shropshire — have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.”

Wolves strongly condemned the behavior of the fans arrested and said they would support the Sussex Police in their criminal investigation.

Greater Manchester Police arrested a 41-year-old man at the weekend in connection with alleged racial gestures and chants in Saturday’s match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.

(Reuters)