Video: Albion have been cleared of allegations that fans racially abused Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy with anti-Welsh taunts during a recent game.
A complaint by a football fan who had watched Albion’s league cup game against Liverpool on September 21 on television was raised with Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football.
However following a full inquiry by the club, Kick It Out and the Football Association, the FA have announced that the club does not have a case to answer and that the allegations were “erroneous”.
Fans of the club were heard chanting 'Seasiders' during the Carling Cup tie, but one member of the public misheard the chant while watching the game on TV.
Paul Elliott, ambassador for Kick It Out, praised the club for their handling of the complaint.
He said: "Brighton & Hove Albion and their supporters have an exemplary record with regard to tackling discrimination, and it is a great shame that their reputation has been tarnished by these unfounded allegations.
"Brighton have always been hugely supportive of our campaign.”
Brighton & Hove Albion managing director Ken Brown said: "It is very sad that the club's reputation and that of its supporters have been tarnished in this way.
"It has been our belief ever since this allegation was made, that it was totally unfounded, as neither Brighton & Hove Albion or our supporters accept racism, and the club has an exemplary record and zero tolerance policy on any such behaviour.”
Clarification: The still image on the video is taken at random and shows the crowd at Brighton and Hove Albion. No person pictured is implicated in any form of wrongdoing.
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