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Fans of Southampton Saints Football club have been challenged to fight homophobic abuse of Brighton fans on Saturday.
Brighton & Hove Albion fans are often subjected to homophobic chants at away games due to Brighton’s reputation as the gay capital, Brighton fans complained about homophobic chants made at Southampton’s ground, St Mary’s in last seasons draw between the teams.
Supt Rick Burrows of Hampshire Police’s Football Unit said: “Whilst Police and stewards were both briefed about the possibility of homophobic chanting, there were no reports during the fixture.
“It was only after the match that we were contacted from some members of the public, and it became clear that there had been some hate-based chanting.
“That it had not been picked up by stewards or the police concerned us.”
Police want stewards and fans to actively listen out and challenge all forms of bigotry.
Supt Rick Burrows said the police do not want to hear any homophobic chants at St Mary’s on Saturday, at a Football Supporters Federation forum he said: “if it breaches criminal law we will jump on it.
“We need eyes and ears in the crowd and we need supporters to feel confident about challenging it by telling the stewards or the police.”
Southampton Vs Brighton will take place on Saturday November 19 at St Mary’s Stadium.
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