ALBION have welcomed the guilty verdict in the case of a fan who shouted homophobic abuse during a match against Arsenal.

Luke Reece, 21, was given a football banning order for three years and was fined and ordered to pay costs following a trial at Brighton Magistrates' Court on April 5.

Arsenal supporter Reece, of Lonsdale Avenue, Romford, was fined £106 for the homophobic abuse, which happened on October last year.

After realising he had been spotted, the 21-year-old attempted to leave the ground, but was stopped by staff and subsequently arrested.

The case comes two months after an Albion season ticket holder was given an indefinite ban after racial abuse on social media in June 2021 after the Euro final.

A club spokesman said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach on all forms of antisocial 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.”

Sussex Police’s dedicated football officer PC Darren Balkham said: “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.”

District crown prosecutor for CPS South East and CPS football national lead Richard Dawes 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 LGBTQ 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.”