Albion fan banned for racist language (From The Argus)
Get involved: Send your news, views, pictures and video by texting SUPIC to 80360 or email us.
Albion fan banned for racist language
8:10am Sunday 25th November 2012 in News
An Albion fan has been banned from American Express Community Stadium for five years for racist abuse.
Brighton and Hove Albion has issued a five-year ban to a Seagulls supporter who was heard using racist language during the game against Leeds United on November 2.
Fellow fans seated close to the man in the West Stand reported the offensive term to the club after overhearing him speaking to a friend.
Following an investigation, the man was traced by club staff and admitted using racist language.
He agreed that his behaviour was unacceptable and immediately apologised to the club.
A club spokesman said: “We have a zero tolerance policy on racial or homophobic language and abuse, and on this occasion the penalty may have been stiffer, and further action may have been taken, but for the individual’s immediate cooperation and remorse.
“We feel this punishment is appropriate and the perpetrator has learned from the incident and genuinely believes they will not behave in this manner again.”
A spokesman for Kick It Out, football’s anti-racism campaign, said: “We praise Brighton and Hove Albion for its swift, decisive action on the matter.
“It demonstrates the seriousness with which the club takes abuse and unacceptable behaviour.
“This trend of clubs taking responsibility and dealing with the matter internally is something we applaud, and see more and more adopting.”
The club is encouraging any fans encountering racist, homophobic or antisocial language or behaviour to use its text line, 07880 196442, or to speak to a steward at the time of the offence happening.
See the latest news headlines from The Argus:
- Police release pictures of brothers wanted in connection with Hove shooting
- Albion sex trial jury sent out to consider verdict
- Mayor of Cuckfield fronts High Weald Welly Walk
- Smart return for circus
- M23 northbound near Pease Pottage closed after lorry fire
Add us to your circles on Google+
Comments(13)
leobrighton
says...
10:44am Sun 25 Nov 12
cvs
says...
11:42am Sun 25 Nov 12
greeg2
says...
12:00pm Sun 25 Nov 12
SGK2000
says...
1:21pm Sun 25 Nov 12
Could be wrong but I guess he may have over indulged on the hospitality & is probably genuinly embarressed & regretfull.
All 9 of me
says...
1:29pm Sun 25 Nov 12
sussexram40
says...
2:21pm Sun 25 Nov 12
If Football was serious about eliminating racism thats what it would do but it isn't. It just wants to be seen to be anti racism but in reality it knows that racism is so rife throughout the type of people who watch and play football that to stamp it out would leave the with no game.
mictrix
says...
11:05pm Sun 25 Nov 12
Freeloaders
says...
3:28am Mon 26 Nov 12
SGK2000 wrote:This is the same incident reported on NSC.All i can say is the guy is very lucky & must have some very powerful friends in the right places.From what i saw on NSC he could have very easy been threats to kill,or one of their new luvs the public order sec5.Take it from me i would never get this guys luck.With the amount of witnesses they could of easy got the charge to stick.One law for one yet again.
If it was the incident reported on NSC then the guy was pretty aggresive too so it was n;t just a 'slip of the tounge' moment.
Could be wrong but I guess he may have over indulged on the hospitality & is probably genuinly embarressed & regretfull.
Freeloaders
says...
3:35am Mon 26 Nov 12
SGK2000 wrote:Yes it was the same incident as on NSC.The guy is very lucky he did not get charged with threats to kill,or their new big love the public order sec5.Im sure if it had been me i would have got charged.From what i understand there was lots of witnesses so it would have been very easy to make the charge stick.Must have friends in the right places yet again.One law for one yet again.
If it was the incident reported on NSC then the guy was pretty aggresive too so it was n;t just a 'slip of the tounge' moment.
Could be wrong but I guess he may have over indulged on the hospitality & is probably genuinly embarressed & regretfull.
Jimmy Stewart's Imaginary Rabbit
says...
7:44am Mon 26 Nov 12
leobrighton wrote:I dunno, I think making it a life ban would have been too extreme.
Outrageous
ShorehamBeachcomber
says...
8:04am Mon 26 Nov 12
mr punch
says...
4:13pm Mon 26 Nov 12
ShorehamBeachcomber wrote:spot on beachcomber.
As he was a one off guest in hospitality , who doesn't have a season ticket, the headline should not read an 'Albion fan' but a visitor to the stadium which is simply what he was & he should be banned from all grounds as he could visit any one of the others in future irrespective of who is playing
matlock says...
9:47am Sun 25 Nov 12