Stark warning to Brighton and Hove Albion fans as hate crime doubles

Statistics reveal the number of hate crime incidents have doubled in the last three seasons Credit: ITV Meridian

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Brighton and Hove Albion fans have been sent a stark warning by the club's chief executive, that homophobic, anti-Semitic or racist abuse will not be tolerated.

It comes as statistics reveal the number of hate crime incidents committed by home and away fans have doubled in the last three seasons.

The Seagulls Chief Executive, Paul Barber, is so worried about the rise that he has addressed fans in their match programme.

Anyone caught committing a hate crime will be handed an indefinite ban Credit: ITV Meridian

He says the club has worked "very hard" to attract women, children and families back to football and they "don't want that to change".

The club said it also has a responsibility to protect players, coaches and match officials from any sort of abuse.

Anyone caught committing a hate crime at the stadium, on social media or even on their way to and from a match will be handed an indefinite ban.

The ban will then be reviewed after a minimum of 5 years and criminal prosecutions will be sought.

Homophobic, anti-Semitic or racist abuse will not be tolerated Credit: ITV Meridian