FATHER and son Burnley fans have denied hurling abuse during a Premier League football match and are to stand trial.

Stewart, 53, and Nathan Higgins both deny making homophobic remarks during the Clarets' 3-1 victory against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex stadium in the East Sussex city on February 9.

Nathan Higgins, an 18-year-old student, also denies shouting racial abuse during the game.

The pair, who both live in Talbot Drive, Burnley, pleaded not guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress when they appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court.

The younger Higgins also pleaded not guilty to using racially aggravated threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Both were bailed to stand trial at the same court on May 13.

Police previously said two away fans were ejected from the match and arrested after club stewards responded to reports of abuse.

During the game, Brighton defender Gaetan Bong was said to have been subjected to boos from opposition fans after last season's racism row with Burnley-born West Brom striker Jay Rodriguez.

In January 2018, Bong accused Rodriguez of making a racist comment, an allegation which was "not proven" following an investigation by the Football Association.