A man has been banned from attending football matches for three years after admitting to homophobic behaviour during a Premier League fixture at the Amex Stadium.
Jefferey Terry, 58, of Windermere Road, Croydon, was seen making abusive and homophobic gestures from the away section during the Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crystal Palace match on 3 February 2024. The incident occurred shortly after Brighton scored and was captured on CCTV.
Terry was seated near the segregation line and was ejected from the stadium before being arrested. At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 24 March 2025, he admitted using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, with the offence aggravated by homophobia.
He was handed a three-year Football Banning Order, preventing him from attending any regulated football matches. He was also fined £270, ordered to pay £300 in costs, and a £108 victim surcharge.
‘Abuse Has No Place in Football’
PC Gregg Marshall, Dedicated Football Officer for Sussex Police, commented after the sentencing: “The use of abusive behaviour means that other football supporters often do not feel safe to attend matches. It can also impact staff and officers working to ensure a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for everyone. Attitudes are changing, and by challenging this kind of behaviour we hope to show that abuse has no place in our stadiums or in the game.”
Both Brighton & Hove Albion FC and The FA have policies in place to tackle homophobic behaviour and promote inclusivity within football. Sussex Police is sharing this case outcome to reinforce the message that abusive conduct will not be tolerated.
