Luton Town fined £120,000 by FA for homophobic chanting during 4-1 loss to Brighton

The Football Association have taken action against Luton after fans engaged in homophobic chanting on the opening day of the season against Brighton. A statement issued by the game's governing body confirmed the Hatters had been fined and an action plan put in place.

"An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed an action plan and £120,000 fine on Luton Town for misconduct in relation to crowd control at their game against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday 12 August 2023," read a statement.

"Luton Town admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion; and do not use words or otherwise behave in a way which is improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting with either express or implied reference to sexual orientation."

Luton have also responded to the FA's charge and condemned the chanting. The Hatters have also vowed that any fans found to be involved will face a club ban.

"The Club accepted a charge following abusive, offensive, homophobic, discriminatory chanting by supporters at the opening Premier League fixture of the season away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 12th August," read a club statement.

"As an inclusive, family-oriented Club, Luton Town abhors abusive chanting such as this and has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination of all kinds. It is not acceptable towards anyone in football or wider society, either in person or online.

"Those involved were committing a criminal offence and anyone subsequently identified will be issued with a Club ban and face potential police investigation.

"Luton Town has worked with supporters in recent seasons to help form the Rainbow Hatters supporters’ group for members of the LGBTQ+ community, who meet regularly to share their experiences of watching the Hatters."

Luton are back in Premier League action after the international break against Crystal Palace. The two teams meet at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.