Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Lawrence Ostlere

Gaetan Bong: Burnley fan charged and named by police after alleged racist abuse of Brighton defender

Gaetan Bong in action for Brighton against Burnley ( Getty Images )

A Burnley supporter been charged after allegedly racially abusing Brighton defender Gaetan Bong.

The incident is said to have occured during Burnley’s 3-1 win over the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium on Saturday. Stewards responded to reports of racist abuse coming from the away section, and two Burnley fans were later arrested by Sussex Police. 

Both men were charged with abuse and one was charged with racially aggravated abuse. 

It comes in the wake of an incident last year in which the Cameroonian Bong accused West Brom striker Jay Rodriguez of racially abusing him. The case went before an FA committee who found the charge could not be proven. 

A police statement read: “Nathan Higgins, 18, a student, of Talbot Drive, Burnley, Lancashire, has been charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, and using racially aggravated threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

“Stewart Higgins, 53, an engineer, [also] of Talbot Drive, Burnley, Lancashire, has been charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

“Both defendants were released on unconditional bail and are due to appear before Brighton magistrates court on 14 March.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news with expert comment and analysis from our award-winning writers

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.