Four football fans convicted of making homophobic taunts at West Ham v Brighton in February Premier League clash, with two banned from attending games for three years
- Police investigated reports of homophobic behaviour at the London Stadium
- Two men were arrested during the draw between West Ham and Brighton
- They have now been fined £200 plus costs after appearing at court last month
- Two other men were fined £120 and given three-year football banning orders
Four football fans have been convicted of public order offences after homophobic taunts were made during West Ham’s Premier League fixture against Brighton earlier this year.
Met Police investigated reports of several men shouting homophobic comments or making homophobic gestures towards visiting supporters when the Hammers faced the Seagulls at the London Stadium in February.
Two men were arrested during the thrilling 3-3 draw between the sides on Saturday, February 1 and have now been fined £200 plus costs.
Four football fans have been convicted for homophobic taunts when West Ham faced Brighton
Two fans inside London Stadium were arrested during the Premier League game in February
Thomas Hill, 25, from Slough and Samuel Marshall, 21, from Hornchurch appeared last month at Thames Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act.
Two other men – Damian Critten, 24, from Rainham and Jack Wood, 25, from London – also appeared at court later in the month and were each fined £120 and given three-year football banning orders after pleading guilty under the same Act.
Chief Inspector Chris Green of Met Operations said: ‘This investigation and these convictions show that we will not tolerate homophobic behaviour or hate crime at football matches and more broadly in our city.
‘If you have information about people committing these type of despicable offences, please share that information with police.
Met Police then made two further arrests of another two fans who were banned for three years
‘These offenders may happen to support the same football team as you, but they do not deserve your support.’
Meanwhile, a West Ham spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘West Ham United is unequivocal in its stance – we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.
‘Equality and diversity is at the heart of the football club and we are committed to continue ensuring that everyone who enters London Stadium is free to enjoy watching their team play football in an inclusive environment.’