Arsenal fan banned from football for three years for chanting homophobic slurs at Brighton supporters

An Arsenal fan has been banned from going to all football matches in Britain for three years for chanting homophobic slurs at Brighton supporters.

Luke Reece, 20, was caught launching anti-gay slogans at Brighton and Hove Albion last October 2 and was led out of the stadium by stewards.

He saw security had spotted his chants and tried to hide, but at half time he was found in the concourse area and was escorted from the Amex Stadium in Brighton, East Sussex.

The South Coast side managed to hold the Gunners to a 0-0 draw during the clash.

Club staff later reported the incident to police and Reece was arrested on suspicion of using threatening or abusive behaviour, likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.

He was later charged with indecent or racial chanting at a football match, aggravated by homophobia, and he was sent a postal requisition to attend court.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, Reece pleaded guilty and was handed a Football Banning Order for three years, ordered to pay a £106 fine, £85 court costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

As a result, he is banned from attending any football matches across the country, with further restrictions surrounding Arsenal matches both at home or away.

He is not allowed in any towns or cities where the club is playing on matchdays for four hours before kick-off and for four hours after the final whistle.

Reece is also banned from being within two miles of any event played by the England national men’s football team for four hours before and after matches.

The banning order also means Reece has to report to a nominated police station before England football matches abroad.

PC Darren Balkham, Sussex Police’s dedicated football officer, said today: “Homophobia has been a continuing theme I have encountered during my 23 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 starting to change 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.”

Brighton and Hove Albion also banned Reece indefinitely from going to their ground.

A spokesman for the club 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. The individual will also be subject to an indefinite ban from the Amex.”

Richard Dawes, district crown prosecutor for CPS South East and CPS football national lead described the comments “unacceptable”.

He said: “There is no room for homophobia in society.

“The comments are unacceptable and would cause great offence regardless of the venue. Brighton is known for its inclusive culture with a large LGBTQI+ community.

“Behaviour like this will not be tolerated and we are grateful to the member of staff at Brighton and Hove Albion for their prompt response in both recognising the hateful nature of this chanting and taking immediate action to deal with the situation.”