THREE fans were ejected from the Falmer Stadium for “unacceptable abuse” during Brighton’s home draw against Chelsea on New Year’s Day, the south-coast club announced today.

Brighton confirmed reports that two home fans and a Chelsea supporter were removed from the stadium and later arrested following three unrelated incidents.

“Yet again it is with regret that we report the ejection of two home supporters — one for racist abuse of Chelsea players and one for homophobic abuse aimed at Chelsea supporters,” a statement read.

Brighton said one Chelsea fan was also removed by stewards for homophobic abuse aimed at home supporters.

On the same day, Huddersfield’s home Championship defeat to Stoke was interrupted by an announcement after visiting midfielder James McClean had allegedly been targeted by sectarian abuse.

Brighton chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber suggested it was now time for tougher sentences to be handed out by the courts for such offences.

Barber said: “Yet again our safety and stewarding team, along with Sussex Police, have had to deal with three separate and unwanted instances of disgusting racist and homophobic abuse.

“If the prospect of a life ban from watching their clubs play football isn’t a strong enough deterrent, we have to ask the question as to whether the courts should be given the power to hand out more severe punishments. Football can only do so much, and we are sick and tired of the game’s reputation being tarnished by these people.”

Barber said all forms of discrimination were unacceptable and urged Brighton fans to report any future incidents of abusive behaviour.

He added: “I find it impossible to comprehend how and why some individuals think it’s acceptable to behave in this way, and yet again I will make it very clear that neither Brighton and Hove Albion nor the wider football community will tolerate racism, homophobia or any other form of discrimination at any time.

“We would urge any fans confronted with similar discriminatory behaviour at our stadium to report it immediately, either directly to a steward or via our anonymous hotline, and we will continue to take the strongest possible action against such bigoted individuals. These people are not welcome at the Amex or at any football matches.”