Three fans ejected for abuse in Brighton

Three supporters were ejected from the Amex Stadium for “unacceptable abuse” during Brighton’s home draw against Chelsea on New Year’s Day, the club has announced.

Brighton have confirmed that two home fans and a Chelsea fan were removed from the stadium and later arrested following three unrelated incidents.

“Yet again it is with regret that we report the ejection of two home supporters – one for racist abuse of Chelsea players and one for homophobic abuse aimed at Chelsea supporters,” Brighton said in a statement. The club added that one Chelsea fan was also removed by stewards for homophobic abuse aimed at home supporters.

On the same day, Huddersfield’s home Sky Bet Championship defeat by Stoke was interrupted by a Tannoy announcement after visiting midfielder James Mcclean had allegedly been targeted by sectarian abuse.

Brighton chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber suggested it was now time for tougher sentences to be handed out by the courts. “If the prospect of a life ban from watching their clubs play football isn’t a strong enough deterrent, we have to ask the question as to whether the courts should be given the power to hand out more severe punishments,” said Barber. “Football can only do so much, and we are sick and tired of the game’s reputation being tarnished by these people.”

He added: “I find it impossible to comprehend why some individuals think it’s acceptable to behave in this way, and yet again I will make it very clear that neither Brighton & Hove Albion nor the wider football community will tolerate racism, homophobia, or any other form of discrimination at any time.”