Matthew Bramwell (21) from Penkridge, Staffordshire has denied charges over homophobic abuse during a Wolves V Chelsea football match. Bramwell was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence causing harassment, alarm or distress. He was one of three people arrested at the time for homophobic chanting that was aimed at Chelsea fans during their match against the Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) at Molineux Stadium on Saturday, April 8.
He appeared at Dudley Magistrates Court on Tuesday, June 6, charged with a section five offence of threatening, abusive or insulting and disorderly behaviour. Bramwell, however, has denied being part of a group of around 500 Wolves fans involved in the homophobic chanting during the Premier League game.
The case has, therefore, adjourned for trial at Walsall Magistrates Court on August 16.
West Midlands Police said: “There is no place for discrimination in football, or society in general, and we will always fully investigate any reports we receive.”
While a statement from Wolves FC, shortly following the April 8 match stated: “Homophobia, like all other forms of discrimination, has no place in football or society, and anyone engaging in discriminatory behaviour is committing a criminal offence.
“Our ethos at Wolves is about being ‘One Pack’ – an attitude we are passionate about and that extends to our relationships across the football community, regardless of rivalries or what happens on the football pitch. We thank all supporters and staff who reported incidents, and will continue to campaign for inclusivity and tackle discriminatory abuse, whether inside stadiums or online.”
