Luton have been fined £120k by the FA and issued with a two-year action plan after their fans’ homophobic chanting at Brighton on the opening day of the season.
Luton Town, newly promoted to the Premier League after a 31-year absence, has acknowledged and accepted charges from an independent Regulatory Commission. The charges relate to misconduct in crowd control during their match against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 12, 2023. The club has been fined £120,000 and has committed to an action plan.
The Football Association’s statement highlighted Luton Town’s admission of failing to ensure orderly conduct from their spectators. Specifically, the club acknowledged a failure to prevent the use of improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting language or behavior, with reference to sexual orientation.
In response, Luton Town emphasized their commitment to being an inclusive, family-oriented club and expressed condemnation for any form of abusive chanting. They asserted a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and announced that identified fans would face bans from the club. The ‘Love Football. Protect The Game’ campaign will continue to be promoted, with a stern warning that those involved in criminal offenses may face police investigation.
The club highlighted its collaboration with supporters in forming the Rainbow Hatters, a group supporting LGBTQ+ fans. Luton Town intends to further collaborate with supporter groups to educate and raise awareness about all forms of discriminatory acts, aiming to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone attending their matches.
