Two West Ham United fans given stadium bans for homophobic abuse

The offences took place at London Stadium in February

Two West Ham United fans have been banned from attending football matches for three years, for shouting homophobic abuse at supporters of another team.

The vile comments were made towards Brighton and Hove Albion fans during a match at London Stadium on Saturday, 1 February 2020.

Damian Critten, 24, of Farm Road, Rainham, and Jack Wood, 25, of Arbour Square, Stepney, appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 30 September.

They both pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act. They were each fined £120 and given three-year football banning orders.

The pair were identified following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, while two other men were arrested during the game for similar abuse.

Samuel Marshall, 21 of Herbert Road, Emerson Park, and Thomas Hill, 25 of New Road, Slough, appeared on 3 September at Thames Magistrates’ Court. They pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act and were each fined £200 plus costs.

Chief Inspector Chris Green, of Met Operations, said: “This investigation and these convictions show that we will not tolerate homophobic behaviour or hate crime at football matches and more broadly in our city.

“If you have information about people committing these type of despicable offences, please share that information with police. These offenders may happen to support the same football team as you, but they do not deserve your support.”