Two Southampton fans arrested for homophobic chanting

Monday 21 Nov 2011
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Two Southampton fans were arrested for homophobic chanting during Saturday’s (19 November) game against Brighton & Hove Albion at St Mary’s Stadium.

The Justin Campaign, an initiative which campaigns against homophobia in football, issued the following statement: “We would like to thank both Southampton FC and Hampshire Police for reacting in such a decisive way to the homophobic abuse, as it shows a willingness to act on the issue rather than simply give it tacit support.

“In making these two arrests at St. Mary’s, Hampshire Police have shown that it is not acceptable to hurl abuse at a minority who have, for far too long, been excluded from the game we all love. Homophobic chanting is not ‘harmless banter’, it is offensive and damaging behaviour which has no place in a football stadium.

“There is now a growing momentum behind the fight against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in football, and the actions of Hampshire Police and Southampton FC have helped the game take another big step towards true equality in football.”

From Justin Campaign

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