A football fan repeatedly shouted homophobic abuse towards fans and players during a match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest. The incident happened on October 18 last year when the man was watching the match, which finished 0-0, at the Amex Stadium in Brighton.
James Grainger-Brown, of St Francis Close, Haywards, Heath, was sat in the away section of the stadium and was heard making the comments. Fellow supporters reported him to the club stewards, and fans from the home section of the stadium also reported his comments.
Grainger-Brown's behaviour was observed by stewards, and so he switched places in the stand for the second half of the game but continued to shout homophobic abuse, according to police. He was detained by stewards and later charged with the offence under the Public Order Act.
Is the government doing enough to help with the cost of living? Let us know
At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, April 20, the 30-year-old bricklayer admitted using offensive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. It was heard at court that the offence was aggravated by homophobia.
The court ordered him to pay a £100 fine, £40 surcharge, and £85 costs. He has also been given a Football Banning Order for three years, which restricts his access to attending professional football matches in England.
Dedicated Football Policing Officer PC Darren Balkham said: “Grainger-Brown used abusive language which caused distress to other people in the stadium, including his fellow supporters who reported him to stewards. Homophobia has been a continuing theme I have encountered during my 24 years of service at football events.
“Sadly a minority of football supporters perceive this kind of abuse as simply a type of ‘banter’. It means that football supporters often do not feel empowered to report these incidents."
He continued: “But attitudes are changing and unacceptable behaviour is being challenged. Brighton and Hove Albion and the FA both have policies in place to tackle homophobic chanting and respond to incidents. We are pleased this incident was reported to us.
"This case demonstrates that homophobic chanting has no place in our stadiums or in the game of football itself.” A Brighton and Hove Albion club spokesperson said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach on all forms of anti-social behaviour, and this includes any form of abuse.
“We worked closely with Sussex Police to identify and prosecute the individual concerned and we welcome the guilty verdict from the courts.”
READ NEXT:
Steve Cooper addresses Jonjo Shelvey situation as Nottingham Forest stance set
McDonald's confirms closure of Nottingham city centre branch
Police statement over large emergency service response to Nottingham incident
The 8 areas of Nottinghamshire home to the county's 'worst drivers'
Spain warns holidaymakers and travellers as police ready to launch major crackdown
