Three
fans were ejected from the Amex Stadium and subsequently arrested for
"unacceptable abuse" during Brighton's home draw against Chelsea on New
Year's Day.
Brighton have confirmed two home fans and a Chelsea supporter were arrested
following three unrelated incidents.
"Two home supporters and one visiting supporter were ejected from the Amex
and subsequently arrested, for three separate incidents of unacceptable
abuse during yesterday's match against Chelsea," Brighton said in a club
statement.
"Yet again it is with regret that we report the ejection of two home
supporters - one for racist abuse of Chelsea players and one for homophobic
abuse aimed at Chelsea supporters."
Brighton said one Chelsea fan was also removed by club stewards for
homophobic abuse aimed at home supporters.
"All three were arrested by Sussex Police outside the stadium and now face
prosecution," the club said.
The club's chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber added: "Yet again
our safety and stewarding team, along with Sussex Police, have had to deal
with three separate and unwanted instances of disgusting racist and
homophobic abuse.
"If the prospect of a life ban from watching their clubs play football isn't
a strong enough deterrent, we have to ask the question as to whether the
courts should be given the power to hand out more severe punishments?
Football can only do so much, and we are sick and tired of the game's
reputation being tarnished by these people."
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