Leiceister City faced off against rivals Brighton and Hove Albion FC at the team’s King Power Stadium on Saturday, eventually winning 2-0. Brighton is renowned as a gay mecca in the UK, and the city’s football team has many LGBT+ supporters

A witness told the New Straits Times that a group of “around 20 to 30 Leicester City fans close to Brighton supporters suddenly started chanting vicious homophobic abuse and making homophobic gestures. It was like something out of the 1970s.”

Many fans took to social media after the match to complain about homophobic chanting which happened during the game. Leiceister Police were quick to announce that two fans had been removed from the stadium and arrested for their abusive, anti-gay behaviour.

“We are committed to creating a passionate, inclusive, welcoming environment at King Power Stadium, in which everyone is free to enjoy the match-day experience,” a Leicester spokesman said in a statement on Monday.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to educate our staff, senior King Power Stadium stewards undertook specialist training during the summer in effectively identifying offensive behaviour, including contributions from Leicester’s LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Centre on recognising homophobic abuse.

“While disappointed that such abuse took place during Saturday’s match, we are satisfied that our stewards reacted swiftly and appropriately, which led to the responsible minority being ejected from the stadium and reported to the police.”