An Albion fan accused of using homophobic slurs online has appeared in court.
Tyler Smith, 19, is accused of using the homophobic slur “rent boys” online after Brighton’s 2-1 Premier League victory against Chelsea on April 15 this year.
The term rent boy is used to describe male prostitutes and was recognised as a homophobic slur in January 2022.
Smith was charged with two counts of sending by public communication network an offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing message or matter.
The first charge relates to a message on the day of the match which read “Up the Albion, 2-1 against the rent boys”.
The second relates to a message on May 2 and reads “Rent boys are going down Chelsea”.
Smith, of Lake Drive in Peacehaven, pleaded not guilty and will face a trial at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on February 12 next year.
Smith has been released on unconditional bail.
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