A man has been charged following an alleged incident of homophobic abuse reported during Brighton & Hove Albion's Premier League clash with Leeds United.
Sussex Police said the incident was reported at the American Express Community Stadium in Falmer during the fixture on Saturday, 5 September. Officers arrested a man in connection with the allegation and later brought a charge.
Alexander Bishop, 55, of Martlet Way, Brockworth, Gloucestershire, has been charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, saw Leeds United take the lead through Jayden Bogle before Brighton defender Luka Vušković levelled the scores in the second half.
The charge follows a police investigation into a report of homophobic abuse made during the game. Sussex Police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the allegation.
Bishop is due to appear before Brighton Magistrates' Court on 3 December.
The case comes amid ongoing efforts by football authorities, clubs and campaign groups to tackle discrimination in the sport and encourage supporters to report incidents of abuse.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said a man had been arrested following the report and was later charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses discriminatory behaviour at football matches is encouraged to report it to stewards, club officials or police.
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