Kick It Out praises Albion for 'swift, decisive action'
Kick It Out has applauded Brighton & Hove Albion FC after the club issued a five-year stadium ban to an individual who admitted using racist language during their match against Leeds United on 2 November.
The abuse was reported to the club by Albion supporters in the same area after the match. Following an investigation, the person involved was traced by the club and admitted using racist language. They agreed that their behaviour was unacceptable and immediately apologised to the club.
A Kick It Out statement read: “Kick It Out praises Brighton and Hove Albion FC, and 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.”
A club spokesman commented: “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 co-operation and remorse.
“We feel this punishment is appropriate and the perpetrator has learned from the incident and genuinely believe they will not behave in this manner again.”
Brighton & Hove Albion FC encourage anyone encountering racist, homophobic or anti-social language or behaviour to use their text line 07880 196442 or to speak to a steward at the time.