Southampton FC fans banned after homophobic abuse at Brighton game

Southampton today confirmed that two people have been granted indefinite bans while one other is currently under investigation.

In a statement, Saints said they take this matter very seriously and are firmly opposed to all forms of discrimination.

It comes after a 32-year-old Saints fan Marc James told the Daily Echo he was left “almost sobbing” after “little bags” of people hurled insults.

Today the club said it would seek to educate and raise awareness among those caught using discriminatory terms.

A Saints spokeswoman added: “The club have been made aware of a report of homophobic chanting and insults during the game at Brighton by a small minority of fans and are working with those affected to address this type of behaviour.

“A full investigation is ongoing but we can confirm that two people have already been banned from the stadium, while another person is subject to additional investigations.

“In addition to the stadium bans, we will work to educate and raise awareness among those caught using discriminatory terms, as we recognize that bans alone will not solve this problem.

“The association takes this matter very seriously and is firmly opposed to any form of discrimination.

“The association also does not tolerate abuse on the Internet. We work tirelessly to ensure St. Mary’s Stadium is a safe and welcoming environment for all that truly embraces diversity and challenges hateful behavior on and off the field.”

Southampton supporters were banned from St Marys (Image: PA)

The game, which took place on Monday December 26th, ended 3-1 for Albion.

The bans will be reviewed when fans participate in an education program.