Yesterday afternoon (14th December) Littlehampton Town F.C. fans were accused of causing significant disorder during the Isthmian League match at the Hawks home ground in Whitehawk, Brighton.
In a statement the club said: “Whitehawk FC are saddened by the behaviour of a number of Littlehampton Town fans at today’s match, and apologise to our own supporters for what occurred. Despite the precautions we put in place, the match was marred by firecrackers, smoke bombs, flares, homophobic abuse, smashed chairs and fans entering the field of play. We wish to make clear there is no place for violence, bigotry and threatening behaviour within the beautiful game, and we are speaking to the opposition about what took place.”
JJ Waller a fan who shot this photo of smoke rising from the away stand told us: “My personal disappointment was the Littlehampton players huge misjudgement colluding by celebrating with there so called supporters at the end of the game. Both sets a disgrace to the Littlehampton badge.”
This is not the first time Littlehampton Town fans have been accused of homophobia during matches between the two teams. Last August after their last game Whitehawk claimed they had been informed of: “a number of our supporters were subjected to homophobic abuse”.
“Whitehawk FC operate a zero tolerance policy towards any abuse at The Enclosed Ground and are fully committed to our indefatigable value that football is for all. We thank Sussex Police for their assistance in responding speedily and preventing any further disorder. We will provide an update in due course, and a full report will be issued to the Isthmian League and the Football Association.”
