A football fan has been banned from all matches in the UK for three years after hurling homophobic slurs during a Premier League game. James Grainger-Brown launched a tirade of abuse at Brighton & Hove Albion's players and fans during their home clash with Nottingham Forest.
The 30-year-old even changed positions at the Amex Stadium in Brighton, East Sussex, at half-time in a bid to avoid detection, but was hauled into court for the 'abusive' homophobic comments. His 'unacceptable' remarks were reported to stewards by both his fellow away fans as well as home fans during that match last year.
The bricklayer, from Haywards Heath, West Sussex, admitted using offensive words or behaviour likely to cause "harassment, alarm or distress" at the game and was fined £225 for the offence. He was also banned from all professional, international and semi-pro football matches across the UK for three years. He will also have to hand his passport to police when England play abroad.
