TWO Southampton FC fans have been handed stadium bans after homophobic chants when Saints played Brighton.

The club confirmed today that two people were handed indefinite bans, while one more person is currently under investigation. 

In a statement, Saints said that they take this matter very seriously and stand firmly against all forms of discrimination.

As reported, 32-year-old Saints fan Marc James told the Daily Echo he was left "almost sobbing" after "little pockets" of people were hurling abuse.

READ MORE: Saints fan tells of homophobic abuse at Southampton FC v Brighton

Today the club said it will strive to educate and raise awareness among those individuals caught using discriminatory terms. 

A Saints spokeswoman added: "The club has been made aware of a report concerning homophobic chants and abuse during the Brighton game from a small minority of fans and is working with those affected to help eliminate this type of behaviour.  

"A full investigation is underway, but we can confirm that two individuals have already received a stadium ban, with another individual under additional investigation.

"In addition to the stadium bans we will work to educate and raise awareness among those individuals caught using any discriminatory terms as we realise that bans alone will not tackle this issue.

"The club takes this matter very seriously and stands firmly against all forms of discrimination.

"The club does not tolerate abuse online either. We are working tirelessly to ensure St Mary’s Stadium is a safe and welcoming environment for all, which truly embraces diversity and challenges hateful conduct on and off the pitch."

The match took place on Monday, December 26. Captain James Ward-Prowse scored the only goal for Saints in the fixture, with Brighton winning 3-1.

The bans will be reviewed if the fans take part in an educational programme.

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