IN recent months the sorry story of bad behaviour in the stands by football supporters has dominated headlines.

Both here at the American Express Community Stadium and at grounds across the country, we have seen accusations of racism and homophobia.

A few weeks ago, Chelsea supporter George Bradley was rightly in court for the homophobic abuse at a match against the Seagulls in December.

He was rightly banned from seeing football for three years, and faced a £800 fine.

Brighton fans faced homophobic abuse away at Huddersfield.

Meanwhile there have been other incidents including accusations of anti-semitism by Chelsea supporters, and racism by a Spurs supporter who threw a banana at Pierre Emerick Aubamayeng last year.

With a sense of perspective, we have not descended into the widespread racist abuse or intolerance, and sometimes outright violence, that was associated with the beautiful game in the 1970s and 1980s.

But the fact that these incidents are creeping back into the game should worry us all.

There is no place for abuse and intolerance in football.

So the news that a Brighton and Hove Albion supporter has been banned for five matches for abuse on social media towards black player Cyrille Regis is sobering.

It is disappointing for a club like ours to have a supporter being reprimanded.

But it serves as a reminder that it is an issue that must be addressed by every club, and no club is immune from the bile and abuse. Only bans can stop it.