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

The incident is said to have occured during Burnley’s 3-1 win over the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium

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.”