Luton FC introduces new tool for Hatters to report discriminatory abuse

Luton fans have been urged to report any abuse witnessed during Tuesday's game against Brighton

Luton Town Football Club has introduced a new matchday reporting system to combat discriminatory abuse.

The club announced the new tool ahead of Tuesday's game against Brighton & Hove Albion at Kenilworth Road stadium.

The Football Association issued the Hatters with a £120,000 fine after its fans shouted homophobic chants during a game against the Seagulls in 2023.

Supporters can use the new tool to report incidents immediately on a match day, the club said.

When a report reaches the club's control room, it will then be investigated during the match.

The club said the reporting system is "designed to continue to make Kenilworth Road a welcoming environment for every fan who walks through the turnstiles".

'More scrutiny'

In August the Hatters accepted a charge of misconduct in relation to crowd control, with a two-year action plan to improve fan behaviour.

Luton, which was promoted to the Premier League for the first time in 31 years in May, said any fans identified over the chants would be banned by the club.

This followed its first Premier League match after its promotion, where it lost against Brighton 4-1.

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An independent commission said Luton fans had behaved "in a way which is improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting with either express or implied reference to sexual orientation".

The club has reminded fans that they should not join in with songs or chants if they do not know the words.

In December Luton FC said: "With the eyes of the world now upon us, and after the charges brought against us so far this season, we have never been under more scrutiny from the footballing and safety authorities, so we are politely asking you to think before you sing."