A man who repeatedly shouted homophobic slurs and ignored instructions from stewards outside a football stadium has been banned for three years.

Tommy Cunningham was near the VIP area outside the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton.

The area is where players are taken from outside the stadium away to the car park area.

The 39-year-old refused to stand back when directed by stewards and used homophobic abuse and gestures towards them.

When he was arrested, he shouted homophobic abuse at the police officer.

Cunningham has been issued with a three-year football banning order after appearing in court.

The order restricts his access to football matches in the UK.

At Hastings Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, September 4, Cunningham, of Eastbourne, admitted two counts of using threatening or abusive behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

READ MORE: Football hooligans banned from matches after fights at Albion away days

As well as the banning order, he was fined £400 and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £160 surcharge.

The court heard the incident happened after a match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United on May 19.

The match on May 19The match on May 19 (Image: Simon Dack)

Stewards were keeping an area clear to allow players to leave the stadium, but Cunningham was abusive towards a steward and said: “You can’t stop me.”

Dedicated football policing officer PC Darren Balkham said: “Cunningham used abusive language to stadium staff and a police officer which was completely unacceptable.

“Homophobia has been a continuing theme I encounter during my service at football events. The impact of the use of this abusive language means that other football supporters often do not feel safe to attend matches.

“It can also have an impact on staff and officers who are working to ensure everyone can attend the match and get home safely.

“Attitudes are changing and by challenging unacceptable behaviour we hope to show that abuse has no place in our stadiums or in the game of football itself.”

A club spokesman said: "We welcome the outcome and the individual will now be facing an additional exclusion from all Albion fixtures, events and club premises, in line with the club's sanctions policy.

"We would remind all fans visiting the Amex that we have a zero tolerance approach to and will take fullest action against any form of discrimination."