A FOOTBALL FAN who shouted homophobic abuse at opposition fans during a Premier League match has been fined.
A police officer heard Jason Holmes, 44, from Leicester, chanting a homophobic term at away supporters at the Leicester City vs Brighton and Hove Albion fixture on Saturday, 19 August.
Holmes was subsequently arrested and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised a charge of indecent chanting, contrary to section three of the Football (Offences) Act 1991.
He appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court today, pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined £300 (about €337). This fine was increased from £250 (about €280) due to the homophobic nature of the remarks. He was also required to pay £85 (about €95) in costs and a victim surcharge of £30 (about €34).
Prior to today’s hearing, Holmes voluntarily attended an educational session provided by Kick it Out, a campaign against discrimination in football.
‘Homophobic hate crime’
Janine Smith from the CPS said the organisation “takes all forms of discrimination seriously and has an important part to play in eliminating it from football”.
This offence was treated as a homophobic hate crime.
Smith said the criminal justice system plays a role in helping offenders understand the impact of their behaviour to “prevent further offending”.
“The contribution of Kick it Out to this case has ensured that, as well as facing the consequences of his actions, this defendant will understand why his actions were so unacceptable,” she added.
Roisin Wood, CEO of Kick It Out, said: “Over the past few years we have worked with supporters at numerous clubs to educate them on unacceptable behaviour and to understand what impact discriminatory actions could have on fellow fans.
“The sentence handed to Jason is a timely reminder that all acts of discrimination in football are against the law and can end up in banning orders or further prosecution.”
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