LUFC fan serving five year football banning order
A Leeds United fan is serving a five year football banning order, after directing homophobic abuse and gestures at Brighton supporters
A Leeds United supporter who directed homophobic abuse and gestures at visiting Brighton fans has been given a five-year football banning order.
Adam Slater, aged 23, from Bramley, was arrested at Elland Road on March 11, after police evidence gatherers filmed him making homophobic comments and hand gestures towards Brighton & Hove Albion fans.
He was charged with a public order offence and appeared at Leeds Magistrates Court in May where he pleaded guilty and received a fine.
On Wednesday this week, magistrates approved an application for a five-year football banning order against him.
Slater was arrested after a police evidence gatherer was deployed to the front of the South Stand after homophobic chanting had been heard from the home stand.
He has also been banned from Elland Road by Leeds United.
Chief Inspector Pete Hall, who led the policing operation at the match, said: “The words and gestures used by Slater were likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to anyone within hearing distance of him, and anyone who behaves in this way should be prepared to face the consequences.
“Homophobic abuse, and any other form of prejudice, has absolutely no place in football and we know all decent fans of the game, regardless of club affiliations, support that view.
“We will continue to work closely with Leeds United and visiting clubs to investigate any offences and take robust action wherever possible, including seeking football banning orders, and we hope this latest action will serve as a stark reminder to others.”