A Brighton woman has been fined and banned from attending football matches after being found guilty of using antisemitic language in a shocking incident outside a professional match.
Religiously Aggravated Harassment Charge
Hales, whose full name has not been disclosed, appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 13 May 2025, where she was convicted of religiously aggravated harassment.
The court heard that she was intoxicated with alcohol when she launched into a tirade outside a football stadium. Despite police attempts to remove her from the area, she continued to use abusive and antisemitic language as officers took her details.
She was fined £120, ordered to pay £650 in court costs, and issued a £96 victim surcharge.
Three-Year Football Banning Order Imposed
As part of her sentence, the court also issued a three-year Football Banning Order (FBO), prohibiting her from attending any professional football match in the UK or abroad.
Police and Club Take Firm Action
Sussex Police and Brighton & Hove Albion FC have strongly condemned the behaviour.
PC Gregg Marshall, Sussex Police’s Dedicated Football Officer, said:
“This was a shocking case and Hales’ antisemitic language has no place in football or in society. We worked closely with Brighton & Hove Albion to share the facts of our investigation so that appropriate club action could be taken.”
Brighton & Hove Albion Issues Indefinite Ban
A club spokesperson for Brighton & Hove Albion confirmed Hales is now indefinitely banned from attending matches or club events:
“There is no place for such behaviour. In line with our zero-tolerance approach to any form of xenophobia, the individual is subject to an indefinite ban. We thank Sussex Police for their professionalism in handling such an unpleasant case.”
The club reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all fans, both at the stadium and in the community.
