Fan cautioned for shouting homophobic abuse after Brighton match

A Barnsley football fan has been cautioned for hurling homophobic abuse at Brighton supporters leaving a match at the Amex stadium in Falmer.

Sussex Police said that the 18-year-old from Bromley, Kent, answered bail this week.

He was stopped by police after shouting abuse at fans at Falmer railway station after the match on Sunday 6 November.

He was given strong words of advice and sent on his way.

It came to light that this was not an isolated incident and he was arrested in Bromley by the Metropolitan Police on Tuesday 22 November and bailed to Sussex.

He answered bail at Brighton on Monday (19 December) where he accepted a caution for using threatening words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Sussex Police football liaison officer PC Darren Balkham said: “The Amex has quickly become established as a stadium that welcomes everyone, regardless of their individual personalities or preferences.

“We are determined that anyone guilty of homophobic abuse will be dealt with.

“Last month a Southampton supporter was convicted of shouting anti-gay abuse during a match against Brighton and has been banned from football for three years.

“This latest caution, which came about as a result of ‘chat’ about the incident on a website fans’ forum, demonstrates that we are taking this matter seriously and will take action.”