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Caroline Lucas: The FA needs to take action against the anti-gay abuse faced by Brighton fans

Aug 06 2013
Written by Scott Roberts

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

After several Brighton and Hove Albion supporters were subjected to anti-gay abuse by Leeds United fans at the weekend, Green MP Caroline Lucas has told PinkNews that she will be raising the issue with the Football Association.

Following Albion’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road stadium on Saturday several Albion fans were subjected to homophobic abuse as they waited for taxis.

Ms Lucas, the MP for Brighton Pavilion told PinkNews.co.uk: “I was angered to learn that Brighton fans have again been subjected to homophobic abuse, and will be raising this latest incident with the FA. They’ve made clear that they wants fans to report this kind of abuse so I urge everyone at the match to do so.”

She added: “Depressingly, homophobia in football is still often seen as ‘just banter’. We need to get to a point where it’s every bit as unacceptable as racism.

“Fans’ groups – in particular the Brighton and Hove Albion Supporters Club and the Gay Football Supporters Network – deserve credit for standing up against this kind of behaviour. The FA should respond with decisive action against the clubs involved to help kick out homophobia.”

Research in May found Brighton fans were on the receiving end of homophobic abuse at 57% of all matches.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Professional Footballers’ Association announced every single footballer in the Premier League and Football League will be requested to attend a session this season to receive guidance on homophobic and racist language and where banter oversteps the mark.