Authorities reported that Tommy Cunningham was near the VIP section outside the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton.
According to police, the location is designated for players to be escorted outside the stadium to the parking lot.
The 39-year-old, Tommy Cunningham, declined to comply with the stewards’ directive to step back.
Tommy Cunningham used homophobic insults and gestures to the steward, according to the police.
The force added that when he was arrested, Tommy Cunningham further shouted homophobic abuse at the officer.
Tommy Cunningham has been issued with a three-year Football Banning Order after appearing in court, police confirmed.
The order restricts his access to attending football matches in the UK.
At Hastings Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, September 4, Tommy Cunningham, of Longstone Road, Eastbourne, admitted two counts of using threatening or abusive behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Tommy Cunningham was fined £400 and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £160 surcharge, and a three-year Football Banning Order was imposed.
Speaking after the case, Dedicated Football Policing officer PC Darren Balkham said: “Tommy Cunningham used abusive language with stadium staff and a police officer, which was utterly unacceptable.
“Homophobia has been a continuing theme I encountered during my service at football events. The impact of the use of this abusive language means that other football supporters often do not feel safe attending matches.
“It can also impact staff and officers working to ensure everyone can attend the match and get home safely.
“Attitudes are changing, and by challenging unacceptable behaviour, we hope to show that abuse has no place in our stadiums or the game of football itself.”
Both Brighton and Hove Albion and the FA have policies in place to tackle homophobic chanting inside the stadium and to respond to incidents.
A club spokesman said: “We welcome the outcome, and the individual will now be facing an additional exclusion from all Albion fixtures, events, and club premises, which aligns with the club’s sanctions policy.
“We would remind all fans visiting the Amex that we have a zero-tolerance approach to and will take fullest action against any form of discrimination.”
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