The incident occurred during Brighton’s game against Arsenal
Brighton and Hove Albion have welcomed an indefinite ban issued to a supporter who was found guilty of shouting homophobic abuse during their game against Arsenal.
The supporter will face a three-year ban
Luke Reece, 21, was overheard by stewards shouting homophobic abuse in the game at the Amex Stadium on Saturday October 2 and was apprehended by police after trying to leave the ground once he had been spotted.
Reece, who was part of the Arsenal travelling away support, was convicted of indecent chanting at at football match at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday April 5 as well as receiving a fine and being forced to pay costs.
Brighton confirm they have a ‘zero-tolerance approach’ to all forms of anti-social behaviour
#BHAFC have welcomed the guilty verdict and a three-year banning order given to a fan who shouted homophobic abuse during the game against Arsenal in October 2021. 👇
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) April 7, 2022
Brighton have also confirmed that Reece will serve a three-year football banning order but will be indefinitely banned from attending home games, while reminding fans they have a “zero-tolerance approach” on all kinds of anti-social behaviour.
A statement said: “Brighton & Hove Albion have welcomed the guilty verdict and a three-year banning order given to a fan who shouted homophobic abuse during the game against Arsenal at the Amex in October 2021.
“Arsenal supporter Luke Reece, 21, was given a football banning order for three years and was fined and ordered to pay costs following a trial at Brighton Magistrates Court.”
A club spokesperson then added: “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. The individual will also be subject to an indefinite ban from the Amex.”
Brighton are currently 13th in the Premier League and face Arsenal this weekend at the Emirates Stadium.
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