AN ALBION season ticket holder has been banned indefinitely for a racist post on social media.

Karl Tizzard posted the racist message on Twitter after England’s penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the UEFA Euro final in July last year.

The post was reported to Sussex Police and the 29-year-old was charged with sending an offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing message via a public communication network.

Tizzard, of Roundstone Drive, East Preston, was fined £1,153 by Worthing magistrates due to the racially aggravated nature of the post.

After discovering Tizzard was a season ticket holder, Brighton and Hove Albion issued him with an indefinite ban from the Amex stadium and away matches - the maximum punishment possible from the club.

In a statement, the club said: “Brighton and Hove Albion has a zero tolerance to any racist behaviour or discrimination of any kind.

“Individuals found to have committed such offences – either in person, online or via social media – will face an indefinite ban from home and away matches and criminal prosecution.”

Sussex Police’s dedicated football officer Police Constable Darren Balkham said the Twitter post was “appalling”.

“This court result demonstrates we will not tolerate any form of racist abuse and will pursue those who abuse others online,” he said.

"It also sends a strong message that this behaviour is not acceptable, whether that be in the stands or on social media.”

“He pleaded guilty to breaching the Communications Act by posting the offensive message which was racially aggravated.”

Tizzard, a former kitchen worker, must also pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.