LONDON. – Police are investigating two reports of homophobic abuse that allegedly occurred during Luton’s Premier League opener at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
The Hatters were beaten 4-1 on the afternoon as Marvelous Nakamba marked his return to the English Premier League.
However, Sussex Police football officer Darren Balkham said afterwards:
“We work in close partnership with Brighton to respond to reports of homophobic behaviour.
“Reports of homophobic abuse, racist abuse, and public order offences will be tackled and Sussex Police will seek prosecutions where reports are made to us.
“The force is investigating two reports of homophobic abuse made at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, 12 August.”
Last year, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) classed the chant as a homophobic slur and said fans singing it during matches were committing a hate crime.
The city of Brighton has one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in Britain and the club’s fans have also been previously subjected to homophobic taunts by opposition supporters.
Since January 2023 the Football Association (FA) have the power to charge clubs over a homophobic chant.
In April, a Haywards Heath man was convicted for making homophobic abuse during the home match against Nottingham Forest last October.
James Grainger-Brown was in the away section of supporters in the stadium when he was heard making the chants. – BBC/Luton Today