Man given football banning order for shouting homophobic abuse at Brighton's Amex

It happened at Brighton's home game against Nottingham Forest last year

Author: Vanessa BellringerPublished 27th Apr 2023
Last updated 27th Apr 2023

A man from Haywards Heath has been given a three-year football banning order for repeatedly shouting homophobic abuse towards fans and players at Brighton’s home game against Nottingham Forest.

James Grainger-Brown was sat in the away supporters’ section of the Amex Stadium in October last year where he was heard making the comments.

The 30-year-old bricklayer, of St Francis Close, admitted using offensive words and behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress – which the court heard was aggravated by homophobia.

He was also ordered to pay a total of £225 in costs and fines.

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.

“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.”

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