'Lengthy stadium bans' - Leeds United issue official statement after Brighton incident
Reaction from Brighton’s 1-0 Premier League loss to Leeds United at Elland Road
Leeds United are investigating homophobic chanting towards Brighton and Hove Albion fans during Sunday's Premier League clash at Elland Road.
Leeds had appealed to supporters prior to the match to refrain from homophobic chanting and even installed extra security cameras inside the stadium.
The club has acknowledged that chants were heard on Sunday and said those responsible will face "lengthy stadium bans."
No place in football
In a statement, the club said: “Leeds United Football Club are aware of homophobic chanting which took place during Sunday’s Premier League fixture with Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road.
“As was communicated before the fixture, any form of discriminatory chanting has no place in football.
"For this match, extra cameras were deployed in stands and anyone identified in taking part in homophobic chanting will face a lengthy stadium ban.
“The club are also aware of disappointing Jimmy Savile chants, however, this does not make other forms of discriminatory and homophobic chanting acceptable.”
Leeds could now face another FA fine. The club were previously hit with a £150,000 fine for homophobic chants during a Premier League home match against Brighton in 2023.
The Yorkshire club celebrated Premier League survival with a 1-0 win thanks to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s stoppage-time winner, which left Brighton’s European hopes resting on their final game of the season.
Brighton conclude their Premier League campaign this Sunday against Manchester United at the Amex Stadium.
A win for the Seagulls would see them secure Europa League qualification for only the second time in their history.