Brighton ban fan convicted of shouting homophobic abuse at Amex Stadium
Luke Reece was overheard directing abuse at nearby Seagulls fans
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Brighton will hand an indefinite ban to a football supporter who was convicted of shouting homophobic abuse during a Premier League match at the Amex Stadium.
Luke Reece, 21, was overheard directing abuse at nearby Brighton fans by a member of club staff in the game against Arsenal on October 2.
Reece attempted to leave the ground after realising he had been spotted, but he was stopped by staff and police before being arrested.
Following a trial at Brighton Magistrates Court, Reece was on Tuesday convicted of indecent chanting at a designated football match and will serve a football banning order for three years. He was also fined and ordered to pay costs.
Brighton worked closely with Sussex Police on the case and following the guilty verdict will implement their own additional sanctions.
“We have a zero-tolerance approach on all forms of anti-social behaviour and this includes any form of abuse,” a club spokesman said on Thursday.
“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.”